Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has hailed Michael Owen as a "top, world-class player" after the forward announced that he would retire from football in the summer.

Crouch has partnered Owen in attack for both England and Stoke, and the former Tottenham Hotpsur and Liverpool forward believes that the 33-year-old has been a "fantastic ambassador" for football.

The 32-year-old told The Mirror: "He has done everything in the game that there is to do. He is held in the highest regard.

"I have played with Michael in the England squad previously and I always enjoyed playing with him. He is a top, world-class player.

"The goals he scored for England showed what a fantastic player he is. He has also been a fantastic ambassador for the game."

Both players will be hoping to feature when Stoke play Everton on March 30.