Manchester: Michael Owen will be released by Manchester United after the club decided against offering him a new contract, bringing to an end a frustrating spell at the club where he barely featured and his injury curse continued to strike.
The former England International has spent three years at Old Trafford and will be remembered mainly for his injury-time winner in the 4-3 derby win over Manchester City in his first season, though City got the upper hand this term as they pipped their rivals to the title.
Owen confirmed the news via his Twitter account, saying: "The manager [Alex Ferguson] informed me after our testimonial match on Tuesday that the club would not be offering me a new contract."
"I have loved every minute of the three years I have spent at such a fantastic club. I would like to thank the players, staff and fans for their support and wish them well for the future."
The future is unclear for the 32-year-old, and he said: "I now plan to have a short holiday during which I will contemplate my next move."
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United striker last played in a competitive Manchester United game in November and made just four appearances last season for United.
He signed from Newcastle on a free transfer in 2009 and went on to score 17 goals in 52 appearances, winning the 2011 Premier League title - his first English championship medal.
Owen will hope to win a move to another Premier League team, but faces a tough ask in resurrecting his once glittering career in which he was named 2001 European player of the year.
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