MICHAEL OWEN KUTUNDIGA DALUGA MWISHONI MWA MSIMU HUU

MSHAMBULIAJI nyota wa zamani wa kimataifa wa Uingereza, Michael Owen ametangaza leo kustaafu rasmi soka ifikapo mwishoni mwa msimu huu. Owen mwenye umri wa miaka 33 alitangza azma yake hiyo katika mtandao wake binafsi kwa kudai kuwa anadhani wakati umefika wa kutundika daruga zake. Nyota huyo alianza kucheza katika kikosi cha kwanza Liverpool akiwa na umri wa miaka 17 na pia amewahi kucheza katika vilabu vya Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United na klabu yake ya sasa Stoke City. Mshambuliaji huyo ambaye amewahi kushinda tuzo ya mchezaji bora barani Ulaya mwaka 2001 amecheza mechi 89 za kimataifa akiwa na kikosi cha Uingereza na kufunga mabao 40 lakini maisha yake ya soka yamekuwa katika misukosuko kutokana na majeruhi ya mara kwa mara ambayo yamekuwa yakimsumbua. Owen aliwashukuru wale wote ambao wamekuwa karibu yake wakiwemo wachezaji, makocha na marafiki zake katika kipindi chote alichokuwa akicheza.

World at his feet: Michael Owen celebrates his wonder goal for England against Argentina at France 98

Hat-trick hero: Owen scored three in England's 5-1 win over Germany in Munich

Three and easy: Owen celebrates the magical night in Munich

Spot on: Owen scores a penalty for Liverpool against Spurs

Famous sight: Owen celebrates a goal for Liverpool

Three Lions hero: Owen scored 40 goals for England in 89 appearances

Real deal: Owen celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid

It ends on 40: Owen scoring his final goal for England, against Russia in 2007
Michael Owen just before scoring the derby winner against Manchester City, and (below) celebrating the goal

Real deal: Owen celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid

PREMIER LEAGUE GOALSCORERS

PLAYER	GOALS
Alan Shearer	260
Andy Cole	187
Thierry Henry	175
Robbie Fowler	163
Frank Lampard	162
Wayne Rooney	156
Les Ferdinand	150
Michael Owen	150
Teddy Sheringham	147
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink	127

KUHUSU MICHAEL OWEN

1979: Born December 14, Chester.
1995: Beats the goalscoring record of Kevin Gallen and Nick Barmby for England Under 15s.
1996: Helps Liverpool win the FA Youth Cup in May. Signs professional terms with Liverpool on 17th birthday after previously joining them as a schoolboy.
1997: May 6 - Scores on his first-team debut against Wimbledon.
November 18 - Nets his first senior hat-trick against Grimsby in the League Cup.
1998: February 11 - Becomes youngest England international of the 20th century when he starts against Chile.