Stoke City

Michael Owen to retire from football at the end of the season

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 19 March 2013

Michael Owen announces that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season following stints at Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Manchester United and Stoke.

Michael Owen has announced that the remainder of this season will be the striker's last in professional football.

The 33-year-old has decided to call time on his career following stints at Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City.

Owen, who has had an injury-ravaged career over the last few years, also earned 89 caps for England following his senior international debut at 18 years of age.

In a statement on his official website, Owen said: "It is with an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my intention to retire. I have been very fortunate in that my career has taken me on a journey I could only have dreamed of.

"Having progressed through the ranks at Liverpool to make my first team debut at 17, before embarking upon spells at Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City, not to mention representing my country on 89 occasions, I now feel it is the right time to bring the curtain down on my career.

"None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support I have received from managers, coaches, fellow players, back room staff, the supporters and my own personal sponsors. I would like to thank each and every one for the huge role they have played in helping me reach the top of my profession.

"Most of all though, I would like to thank my family. To my beautiful wife Louise, for her continued love and support through the many ups and downs in my career and for affording me the most precious gift of all, our children."

Owen netted 40 goals during his international career, putting him fourth on the all-time list.