Owen Retires? Didn't He Do That Six Years Ago?

Last updated : 18 May 2013 By Footy Mad - Editor

Owen, who announced in March he would be retiring at the end of the season, has barely kicked a ball in anger since joining Stoke last September.

The 33-year-old has played just 130 minutes over eight appearances, including one start, with just a 15-minute cameo in the last two and a half months.

Pulis has confirmed Owen will be part of the squad for Sunday's final Barclays Premier League game of the season at Southampton, although whether he will give him a brief outing to say goodbye he would not say.

Tony Pulis : "He has been fantastic around the place. He has been a really, really good lad.

"He's not had the playing time he's wanted, and I know he has been disappointed with that.

"But he's been good around the place, very supportive of the players who have enjoyed his company.

"He has certainly got a lot closer to them as the season has gone on, and that has been nice to see, him blossom within the group.

"I know people have been talking about Beckham and his career, well, Michael's career has been absolutely outstanding.

"A lot of people will say Michael had a career as good as Beckham's in lots of respects.

"So there will be a send off for him at Southampton on Sunday for what has been an absolutely wonderful career.

"As to whether he'll play, I'll be telling him first before anybody else."