Roy Hodgson pays tribute to Michael Owen following striker's retirement announcement

Roy Hodgson has called Michael Owen a “fine ambassador for English football” following the striker’s announcement that he is to retire at the end of the season.

The former Three Lions hotshot will hang up his boots following a hugely successful career which saw him represent Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City.

Owen is his country's fourth highest goalscorer of all-time and he was named the European Footballer of the Year in 2001.

Hodgson said: “Michael Owen’s record of 89 England appearances and 40 goals is a magnificent landmark.

“Some of his international strikes were spectacular and have already gone down in England’s modern football history.

“Although I never got to work with him personally, he always conducted himself extremely well on and off the pitch and was a fine ambassador for English football.

“Today is a day that we should recognise his achievements of which he should be very proud.

“I wish him all the best in the next part of his career and hope that he is able to pass some of his great experience back into the game.”