Michael Owen, the Newcastle and England striker, is to feature on the packaging and promotional materials of PES 2008 – the latest incarnation of the multi-million-selling Pro Evolution Soccer series.

Michael Owen is one of the most prolific strikers in the English game, and will join Cristiano Ronaldo on the UK packshots of PES 2008. Since making his first team debut in 1997, Owen has netted over 178 league goals, and 37 for England. "His reputation spans the globe, making Michael the perfect compliment to Cristiano Ronaldo’s status on the world stage, and creating an enviable pairing for the new game," says Konami.

PES 2008 will launch on PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 2, PSP and Nintendo DS in the Spring. Konami claims, PES 2008 represents a massive step forward for the series and includes the advent of the new Teamvision AI system.

Teamvision actively monitors the player’s onscreen movements and adapts its response, forcing the player to constantly revise and alter its strategy during the course of a match. PES 2008 also boasts attention to visual detail with the faces of players animated and shirts creasing during a match. The new game also includes extensive Edit modes in all new generation versions, and closer control than ever before.

“PES 2008 is a fantastic game, and the only choice for pro players,” added Michael Owen. “It enjoys a brilliant reputation within many, many players and manages to be a true simulation of football while also being a real laugh to play.”