Stoke striker Michael Owen has revealed on his website that he will call time on his playing career at the end of the season.

The veteran striker has made just seven appearances for the Potters this season, scoring one goal after joining in September.

Injuries

Owen has become famous for his injury problems in the last eight or nine years of his career.

The former-England star has struggled for fitness for a long time now and it’s resulted in a large chunk of his career spent on the sidelines.

Injuries have held the strikers career back to a certain extent, but he has still gone on to achieve so much in his time in football.

Achievements

In the early stage of his football career Michael Owen was set to become a world superstar. Owen scored a hat-trick for England against Germany in the memorable 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory in Munich.

He also helped Liverpool to four trophies and as a resulted was awarded the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy ahead of the likes of Luis Figo, Ronaldo and Raul.

Owen went on to become fourth in England’s highest scoring charts. The striker scored 40 goals in 89 games in a three Lions shirt and was only nine goals away from record holder Bobby Charlton.

Loved?

Unfortunately Michael Owen doesn’t seem to be loved by any particular group of fans. Newcastle fans don’t love him because they believed he just took his wages at St James Park, without playing many games.

Manchester United fans remember him, not so much love him for a last-gasp derby winner against Manchester City. Liverpool fans though can’t seem to forgive the striker for moving to Old Trafford.

Celebrated

I have a feeling that Michael Owen will be more remembered for the injuries and the betrayal of Liverpool and joining Manchester United. It’s a crying shame for the former-England international, as he should be remembered for his achievements in the game.

Has Michael Owen fulfilled his potential?