Owen to retire

Former England managers Glenn Hoddle and Sven-Goran Eriksson led the tributes to Michael Owen after the striker announced yesterday he would retire at the end of the season.

Owen, scorer of 40 goals for his country, took the decision after Stoke opted not to extend his contract.

Hoddle, who handed Owen the first of his 89 England caps, believes he will be remembered as one of England's most natural finishers.

"Michael was a baby-faced assassin." he told Sky Sports.

"He is in the top four of our greatest ever finishers, along with Jimmy Greaves, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer"

Eriksson, who selected Owen in his squads for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and Euro 2004, said: "He's always been a fantastic football player. He's a danger all the time.

"You never had any problems with Michael Owen, on or off the pitch."

Sarah Rogers has been taking a look at his career:

• Sport
• Football
• Liverpool FC

Club England managing director Adrian Bevington has paid tribute to Owen.

"Michael Owen enjoyed a tremendous career with England, playing at every level. He has always conducted himself with outstanding professionalism when on England duty, scoring important goals at major tournaments."

• UK
• Football
• Liverpool FC

You can read Michael Owen's full statement on his website

• UK
• football
• Liverpool FC

Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen will retire from football at the end of the season.

On his personal website he's written:

"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."

• UK
• Football
• Liverpool FC

• UK
• Liverpool FC
• Manchester United

Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the season.

• Sport
• Football
• Liverpool FC