Michael Owen hoping for injury-free spell at Stoke City to end career on high The striker also revealed there had been various teams interested in signing him over the summer but he is certain he made the right decision in choosing life at the Britannia Stadium. "There were a couple of Premier League teams that showed interest but this is a team on the up," he said. I know the manager and a few of the players and it meant I didn't have to move my family as well. My past experiences of coming to the Britannia were a real eye-opener - the crowd are really passionate and I don't care who you are, you always like to play in front of a passionate crowd that love their football. So there were loads of things that ticked the boxes and I'm sure I've made the right decision. The former England international could feature for Stoke for the first time since against Manchester City on Saturday despite admitting he is not yet fully confident with his game. "I feel as if I am fit enough to take part in a game," he said. I'm not quite 100% confident or happy in my general touch and different bits and bobs, but that will come. So we'll see what the manager has got in mind, but I'd like to think I'll improve as the weeks go on. Owen's new manager, Pulis insisted he had yet to decide whether the former England international would make an appearance but said he has shown pleasing fitness levels since joining. "From what the lads say, he has come back a lot fitter than what we thought he would," Pulis said. He needs a lot more work with the ball and being in small-sided games for his sharpness, but we are pleased with the way he has come back.