32 year old only but asked to go
ormer England striker Michael Owen will search
for a new club this summer after confirmation he will be released
by Manchester United.
The 32-year-old will not have his contract renewed when it
expires this summer, ending an injury-ravaged three-year spell at
Old Trafford.
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle forward made
four appearances in the season just ended and has not played
competitively since November.
Despite that he was back in full training before the end of the
campaign after overcoming a thigh injury and is convinced he can
still perform at the highest level.
Owen, who scored 17 goals in 52 United appearances, told Sky
Sports News: "At 32, I definitely owe it to myself to have two or
three years and play a bit more - but for somebody else.
"I don't feel I have lost the ability to score goals or play at
a high level."
It had been suggested after all his injury problems Owen might
have considered retirement, but he insists that has not crossed his
mind and is inspired by United veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan
Giggs.
He said: "Looking at the likes of Scholesy and Giggsy, it
doesn't half fill you with a lot of motivation and confidence.
"They are playing into their mid-to-late thirties and I still
feel as if I am reasonably young."
Owen wants to continue playing at top-flight level, whether at
home or abroad.
He said: "If it is not the Premier League then I may look
farther afield.
"I don't think I will be dropping into the Championship."
Owen burst on to the scene as a teenager with Liverpool in 1997
and became a national hero with his performances at the following
year's World Cup.
In all he has scored 40 goals in 89 appearances for England but
not played internationally since 2008.
He left Anfield for Real Madrid in 2004 but returned to the
Premier League with Newcastle a year later.
His time on Tyneside was also marred by injuries and he chose
not to sign a new deal after the Magpies were relegated from the
Premier League in 2009.
That led to speculation linking him with clubs such as Aston
Villa, Everton and then top-flight Hull but he was offered a
surprise chance by United.
He was unable to reignite his once glittering career and had to
settle for a squad role, making just 18 starts, but manager Sir
Alex Ferguson was still happy with him.
Ferguson told the club's website, www.manutd.com: "Michael is a
consummate professional and was an influential figure in our
dressing room.
"Unfortunately he had no luck with his injury this season.
"Michael's record of goals per game is exceptional and we wish
him all the best for the future."
