Former England international soccer player: Michael Owen has finally announced his retirement at the end of current season. He has been one of the most versatile English players ever since he made his debut back in 1998 World Cup when he was just 18. He wasted no time in getting a world frame for himself by showing some of his all-time brilliant performances, including his famous solo goal against Argentina in the same World Cup or his magnificent hat trick against Germany in 2001 that later became a benchmark in his career. During his fifteen-year old career, he played almost for five clubs along with playing for English national soccer team, however, Liverpool has ever been his favorite club where he played 297 matches and scored 158 goals. His overall average playing club matches is 220 goals and has won almost every league title for his respective club, like FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and EPL along with League cup. Last year, he signed up with Stoke for a one year deal which is going to expire after current season, and legendary player is in no mood to extend his extra-large soccer career.
He expressed his retirement plans via his personal website along with his signature; he stated, “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, backroom 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. 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.”