Owen ponders retirement after lack of Premier League offers

Jul 13, 2012 1:10:00 AM

The 32-year-old believes he still has the ability to perform at the top level and will only consider offers from top-flight clubs, otherwise he may call time on his playing career

Former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United striker Michael Owen has suggested that retirement could be on the cards if he cannot find the right club.

The ex-England international is a looking for a new club following his expiration of his contract at Old Trafford at the end of the previous season, but has insisted that he would not drop down to the Championship in the search for first-team football.

And now, after a seemingly small amount of interest from Premier League clubs, Owen has hinted that he could call it a day on his playing career.

The 32-year-old said on Twitter: “If a good opportunity doesn't come my way then so be it. At this stage of my career it has to be something that I'm going to enjoy doing.

“Not being disrespectful when saying I wouldn't play in The Championship. Always said I wouldn't drop down the leagues like some have done.

“I know I can still bang them in at the top level. I proved that nearly every time I played for Manchester United. At 32, still got a few years in me.”

Owen was responding to criticism he had received on Twitter for a tweet he posted this morning, in which he also opened the door to a switch abroad.

However, many fans have today been angered by the striker’s apparent arrogance that he is ‘bigger’ than the Championship.

The forward had not been able to force a way into the Manchester United side following stiff competition for places and persistent injury setbacks.

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