Michael Owen poised to become football agent following retirement from the game at end of season Owen, 33, announced three days ago that he will retire from palying when his one- year contract with Premier League team Stoke City ends in June. Injuries have hampered Owen during several of the past seasons, including a three-year spell at Manchester United in which he played just 31 league games. Owen rose to prominence as a 17 year-old with Liverpool, from before he was selected to play for England year later in 1998. By the time he played his last international game in 2008, he had scored 40 goals in 89 games, the fifth highest by an England player. "I feel genuinely excited by the opportunity of guiding some of our best talent through their formative years and beyond," Owen said of his plans. Having already spoken with a number of people within the game, I get a real sense that they too feel that I can play an important role in helping to nurture talented youngsters into our stars of the future both on and off the pitch. Owen said he also plans to focus on a media career that has started to take shape this season with appearances on several television shows. He will sign to work with the BBC on radio and TV from next season, according to reports. "I have appeared on various channels trying out different roles and gaining experience for a future on TV," Owen said in his blog. I am currently in discussions with several broadcasters and hoping to secure a contract for next season and beyond. The striker, who also played for Real madrid and Newcastle United, has used part of his wealth on building a successful career in the horse racing industry. In 2007 he established the Manor House Stables training yard, which accommodates more than 100 horses. In 2011 one of his runners, Brown Panther, won a major race at Royal Ascot.