Former Liverpool Star Michael Owen Announces Will Retire After Season
Michael Owen, who starred with Liverpool and the England national team, announced on his official site that he will retire at season's end. It will mark the end of a career that began nearly two decades ago and seen him play for some of the top clubs in Europe.
""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."
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The 33-year-old striker, who currently plays for Stoke City but has only made six Premier League appearances this season, made his debut with the Reds at age 17. He proceeded to play nearly 300 matches in a Liverpool uniform before leaving in 2004.
He went on to play for Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and now the Potters. He was never able to match the success he achieved at Anfield, however. At least not while playing at the club level.
Owen did have a successful international career. He appeared in 89 games for the Three Lions, scoring 40 goals. He scored at least one goal for the national team in 10 straight years starting in 1998. His late one came against Russia in 2007.
The Chester native has no shortage of accomplishments on his résumé. He won a Premier League title with the Red Devils during the 2010-11 season and captured several Cups with Liverpool during the early portion of the last decade.
On a personal level, he won the Ballon d'Or, awarded to the top player in Europe, in 2001. He also won the Premier League Golden Boot twice and received various top player honors for his play for club and country in the late 1990s.
His production levels and playing time dipped in recent seasons, likely leading to his decision to walk away after the season. But his accomplishments ensure he won't be forgotten anytime soon.
