From boy wonder to seasoned professional, it seems that Michael Owen has been around for yonks. Yesterday, the 33-year-old striker announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Plaudits from ex-teammates, pundits and the footballing world as a whole have come in abundance since he made the announcement. Gary Linekar publicly praised Owen and named him as an England great- who, if it was not for injury, would have surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record for England.
It seems a deep shame that Owen who once had the world at his feet and was no doubt one of the best forwards in the world, has only made cameo appearances in the past few years. It makes you wonder- what could he have achieved if he stayed fit?
Despite the injuries, Owen is still one of the most declarated English footballers of all time and will be remembered as "the baby faced assassin".
Below, we take a look at Owen's 5 best goals of his fantastic career...
5. Owen vs Barcelona 2005
4. Owen vs Manchester City 2009
3. Owen vs Arsenal 2001
2. Owen vs Germany 2001
1. Owen vs Argentina 1998
