What does the future hold for Michael Owen?

Earlier this week, the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United striker Michael Owen announced that he would retire from football at the end of the season. His announcement didn’t come as a massive shock, especially with his long history of injuries, but at 33, did he call it a day a little too soon?

One of the greats?

Although his career more or less stalled by the time he reached his late 20’s, Owen has received a huge amount of praise from the likes of Gary Lineker for his achievements, most notably during the 1998 World Cup. He scored 40 goals wearing the England shirt, while his time at Liverpool was hugely successful too.

On the other hand, things went downhill after his move to Real Madrid, where injuries stalled his progress. A move to Newcastle United also proved to be disappointing, and the same can be said of his spell at Manchester United, although he did pick up a league winners’ medal at Old Trafford. Now at Stoke City, he’s struggled to get any game time due to the same old problem.

Passing on his expertise

Given his experience in the game, a lot of people in the game believe his new calling could be a coaching role. His talent for finishing could be passed on to aspiring young players, and it’s a well-trodden path. Some bookmakers believe that a move into coaching is likely.

He’s at 20/1 to become a Premier League manager, while 5/2 is the price for him becoming a coach with a top-flight club. Coaching is perhaps the most likely outcome, but a move into horse racing cannot be ruled out for Owen either.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: “The odds suggest Owen’s attention will now turn firmly to racing. However, should he remain in football, coaching looks far more likely than management.”

A racing certainty

Racing is Owen’s other great passion, and he already owns stakes in racehorses, plus he has a good relationship with trainer Tom Dascombe. He’s also a keen tipster, giving his picks regularly on social media and with odds of 8/1 available at Ladbrokes on him to pick up a trainers’ licence in the next 10 years this career path looks likely.

With the Grand National coming up next month, although none of his horses are on the Grand National race card, if he does become a trainer, he’ll most certainly be looking to have a horse entered as many people class this as the pinnacle achievement on the horse racing calendar.

If this is the path he chooses, he will be following in the footsteps of other footballing figures like former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has an entry in the big race this year.

Do you think Owen called it a day too soon? What do you think he’ll do next?