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Michael Owen rules out playing on

Owen rules out playing on
© PA Photos
Michael Owen says that he will not come out of retirement to play in the Middle East.

Michael Owen has insisted that he will not be tempted out of retirement.

The former England international only called time on his career at the end of last season, but recent reports had linked him with a playing stint in the Middle East.

However, the 33-year-old has admitted that he has no intention of making a u-turn on his original decision.

"My mind is pretty made up now. I've been thinking about it for a while and football is not as much fun when you've been able to do it at a real high standard and then suddenly you're finding it hard to reach those standards again. Your pride gets dented a little bit," he told Gulf News.

"I'm pretty sure it's all finished. I've a few different businesses I'm looking forward to going into such as co-commentary and TV work. That should keep me busy and I've got a couple of other businesses representing young players and different bits and bobs, so I'm looking forward to a change of role now."

Owen had most recently been playing for Stoke City.

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Michael Owen of Stoke applauds all corners of the ground after the match against Southampton on May 19, 2013
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