For a man who admits he peaked at 19, Michael Owen is philosophical about turning 40 this weekend.

However, he is concerned retirement is a major problem for footballers who struggle to cope both mentally and financially.

While he has considerable business interests, not least his Manor House Stables now racing has become his sporting passion, as well as media work, he knows a number of his contemporaries are struggling.

"I'm really pleased I played for Real Madrid, it was an opportunity to try something different, it was the Holy Grail in many ways to go and play for Barcelona or Real Madrid," he said.

"Following that I wished things had been different and I had come back to Liverpool and lived happily ever after.

"But I would still sign for Man United because that was the best option at the time.

"I'm not ashamed of what I did despite people wanting me to be ashamed.

"It was never my dream to play for Stoke, Man United or Newcastle but that's where my career took me."

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