Former England striker Michael Owen will retire from football at the end of the season

Michael Owen has announced his retirement from football at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old won 89 caps and scored 40 goals for England as part of a distinguished international career that saw him named European Footballer of the Year in 2001.

The former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Newcastle United striker will call time on his playing days for Stoke City at the end of the current campaign.

He first burst on to the scene for England aged 18 in the 1998 World Cup, scoring a memorable goal against Argentina.

He went on to play at the 2002 and 2006 Finals as well as the 2000 and 2004 European Championships, while his club career saw him score 220 goals and win the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup.

Owen said: "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."