Earlier today former England international Michael Owen confirmed that this season would be his last as a professional footballer.
The 33-year-old earned himself a reputation as one of the most clinical finishers in world football during a career that saw him play for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and finally Stoke City.
With a vast history of moments to look back on, Sports Mole has selected five of Owen's most memorable displays at both club and international level.
Real Madrid 4-2 Barcelona, April 2005
Owen's stint with arguably the most famous club in world football is not regarded by many to be a success. However, he still managed to find the net on 16 occasions during his one-season spell at the Bernabeu. Such is the rivalry between Los Blancos and Barcelona, that anyone who finds the net against the Catalan outfit is viewed as hero by the Madrid faithful. Owen did just that in 2005 when he raced beyond Giovanni van Bronckhorst to meet a lofted pass from David Beckham, before going on to stab the ball into the net.
Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City, September 2009
There is probably no larger rivalry in England than the one that exists between Man United and Liverpool. So, when former Liverpool striker Owen joined Man United via Madrid and Newcastle, the move was met with a lot of scepticism. Regardless of what Man United supporters think of Owen's time at Old Trafford, they will all remember his winning goal against their bitter neighbours with a smile. He collected Ryan Giggs's pass with the outside of his boot and his second touch saw him guide the ball beyond the reach of Shay Given deep into stoppage time.
Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on pens), June 1998
It may not have been the result that England fans were hoping for, but this will forever be the match where Owen announced himself on the world stage. Having won a penalty, which Alan Shearer converted to draw England level, Owen then embarked on a fantastic run which took him away from Jose Chamot and Roberto Ayala. Then, when composure was required, the 18-year-old obliged with a rising shot into the top corner of the net to put his nation 2-1 in front. As so often has been the case, England exited on penalties, but Owen had showed that he was capable of troubling the best defences.
Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool, May 2001
When Freddie Ljungberg scored with 18 minutes remaining, it looked as though Arsenal were going to lift the FA Cup. After all, they had controlled the encounter against Liverpool and were well in the ascendancy, but Owen had other ideas. He hauled his team level when he pounced on a loose ball inside the area to beat David Seaman in the 82nd minute. Then, with extra time looming, he left Lee Dixon and Tony Adams trailing in his wake to score the winning goal with two minutes left on the clock.
Germany 1-5 England, September 2001
Having been defeated by Germany earlier in the qualification campaign, most England fans made the trip to Munich for the return match in hope rather than expectation. What followed though was England's best result at international level since they won the World Cup back in 1966. Owen helped himself to hat-trick to add to goals from Liverpool teammates Emile Heskey and Steven Gerrard as the Three Lions ran out 5-1 winners in the backyard of one of their greatest rivals.
Liam Apicella
