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Though he has taken more than his share of stick in recent years for his lack of pitch time, Owen can reflect on a record of significant achievement at club level — with spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke — as well as a glittering England career.
The Stoke striker played 89 times for England between 1998 and 2008, scoring 40 goals.
He started his career at Liverpool before leaving for Real Madrid in 2004.
As injuries took their toll, he headed to Newcastle a year later before ending up at Manchester United in 2009.
Last summer, he agreed to sign for Stoke on a one-year contract but has found opportunities very difficult to come by.
The 33-year-old who began his career at Liverpool before spells at Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and current club Stoke City, announced the decision on his website, www.michaelowen.com.
A statement on the site read: “It is with an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my intention to retire from Professional Football at the end of this season.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“To my Mum who has always taken the brunt of my frustrations yet continues to keep our family so tight-knit, a trait that has formed the foundations of my own success. Her dedication to me and my brothers and sisters is immeasurable. I’d like to thank Terry, Andy, Karen and Lesley for being so understanding and creating the perfect environment to grow up in.
“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”.
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has pledged his future to the club by saying he has no plans to leave the Emirates.
Koscielny’s future at Arsenal had been the subject of speculation after he lost his place in Arsene Wenger’s starting line-up earlier this season.
However, the French stopper has won his place back in the side and has started the last two games in central defence ahead of captain Thomas Vermaelen.
The 27-year-old still has four years to run on his current deal and he insists he is happy to stay at Arsenal.
“My contract lasts for another four years,” Koscielny is quoted as saying in The Sun. “I have no wish to be elsewhere.”
Koscielny insists Arsenal will fight until the last minute in their bid to qualify for the Uefa Champions League.
“Arsenal will fight until the end to be in the Champions League,” added Koscielny. “It will be difficult, but we will give everything.”
Koscielny, who is currently away on international duty with France, has welcomed the inclusion of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane to the squad even though it increases competition for places in Didier Deschamps’ squad. Koscielny does not fear for his place in the side following Varane’s call-up and he feels the competition for places will only improve him as a player.
He said: “Do I feel threatened by Raphael Varane? No, it’s good competition. “This will push me to be even better and drive forward with my club Arsenal.” — AFP.
Online Reporter