Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has admitted he is 'not surprised' that Michael Owen has decided to call time on his football career.

The former England international, who broke through the ranks at Anfield at the age of 17, claimed that it was the "right time" to "bring the curtain down" on a 17-year career in the sport.

"I'm not unduly surprised to be honest," Aldridge told Sky Sports News. "His problems with injuries must have been frustrating for him. But he can concentrate on horse racing now!

"He was phenomenal. In his early days he scared defences with his burst of pace and then when he scored that magnificent goal for England the world got to know about him.

"He's right up there with all the [England] greats, Jimmy Greaves, Rodger Hunt, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker. He never let [England] down and I think England struggled when he stopped playing for them."

The 33-year-old admitted on Twitter that he was "overwhelmed" by the reaction to his decision.