STOKE CITY STRIKER Michael Owen has announced that he is to retire at the end of the season, calling time on a career which lasted 16 years.
“I now feel it is the right time to bring the curtain down on my career,” said Owen, 33, who has been limited to seven appearances for the Potters this season.
“I have been very fortunate in that my career has taken me on a journey that like many young players starting out, I could only have dreamt of.”
Owen, one of only four English players to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, first burst onto the scene as a teenager with Liverpool in 1997 before moving on to spells with Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke.
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He made his senior England debut against Chile in February 1998 and went on to star at the World Cup in France later that summer, grabbing global headlines with a sensational solo goal against Argentina in the second round.
After helping Liverpool to three trophies in 2000/2001 he collected the Ballon d’Or, beating Raul and German goalkeeper Oliver Khan to the prize.
He signed a big-money move to Real Madrid’s Galacticos in 2004 but returned to England a season later when he agreed a move to Newcastle.
The latter years of his career — which included an unforgettable late winner for Manchester United against rivals Manchester City — have been hampered by injury and a lack of first-team football.
In a short statement issued through his website, Owen thanked those who have worked with him throughout his career and paid a very special tribute to his father.
“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.”
He added: “Last but not least, my Dad. We did it my old mate! From those freezing local parks to terrorising the best defenders in the World on the biggest stages of all. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Michael Owen announces decision to retire at the end of the season
STOKE CITY STRIKER Michael Owen has announced that he is to retire at the end of the season, calling time on a career which lasted 16 years.
“I now feel it is the right time to bring the curtain down on my career,” said Owen, 33, who has been limited to seven appearances for the Potters this season.
“I have been very fortunate in that my career has taken me on a journey that like many young players starting out, I could only have dreamt of.”
Owen, one of only four English players to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, first burst onto the scene as a teenager with Liverpool in 1997 before moving on to spells with Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke.
He made his senior England debut against Chile in February 1998 and went on to star at the World Cup in France later that summer, grabbing global headlines with a sensational solo goal against Argentina in the second round.
YouTube Credit: Mr99mx
After helping Liverpool to three trophies in 2000/2001 he collected the Ballon d’Or, beating Raul and German goalkeeper Oliver Khan to the prize.
He signed a big-money move to Real Madrid’s Galacticos in 2004 but returned to England a season later when he agreed a move to Newcastle.
The latter years of his career — which included an unforgettable late winner for Manchester United against rivals Manchester City — have been hampered by injury and a lack of first-team football.
YouTube Credit: stani2829
In a short statement issued through his website, Owen thanked those who have worked with him throughout his career and paid a very special tribute to his father.
“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.”
He added: “Last but not least, my Dad. We did it my old mate! From those freezing local parks to terrorising the best defenders in the World on the biggest stages of all. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
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Michael Owen Real Madrid Retirement Stoke City England Liverpool Time's Up?