"On July 1 I propose to set up Michael Owen Management Ltd. focusing on guiding young players through their careers and offering them advice at every juncture of what can be a career full of pitfalls," Owen said in a statement on his website.

The trading market for soccer players is worth more than $2 billion a year, attracting agents hoping to profit from cutting deals.

Owen said he’s entering the business after seeing "so many horror stories" during his career and learning "plenty from my own experiences."

Owen goes on to add that he’ll also continue his work as a radio and TV pundit at the BBC:

"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."