Picture: Michael Owen retires – memorial bench unveiled

Michael Owen has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season, bringing down the curtain on the playing career of one of the most celebrated strikers in post-war English football.

Although, some of his fiercer critics will argue that his career came to an end a few years ago. In the first seven years as a pro, Owen played 408 games for club and country, scoring 202 goals. After signing for Newcastle United in 2005, he struggled with injury and in the past eight years has managed 'just' 161 matches, netting 60 goals.

During his spell on Tyneside, followed by moves to Manchester United and Stoke City, despite showing glimpses of the form that earned him the Ballon d'Or in 2001, it was clear that Owen was sadly a shadow of the talent he had been as a youngster. Perhaps it was through no fault of his own, with injuries taking their toll, although his decision to become a squad player at Old Trafford, rather than a first team regular elsewhere, meant he was a regular fixture on the subs bench.

What did you think of Michael Owen's later career, from Newcastle to Stoke City, via Old Trafford? Share your thoughts below…

To remember the best of Owen, click here: talksport.co.uk/magazine/michael-owen-best-goals