Michael Owen was given an unwelcome send-off by his Stoke team-mates ahead of his final home game before retirement.

He posted a picture on Twitter of his black Mercedes C63 covered in eggs and flour and wrote: 'This is what I will miss once I hang up my boots! Looks like I may be delayed getting to the match #eggs&flour'.

Then the Stoke striker began to list possible culprits, naming Dean Whitehead and Glenn Whelan as the most likely mischief-makers.

'It's a long week lads. Revenge is in the air! Chief suspects: Whitehead and Whelan. Huth is a possible too,' he continued.

'Walters is a possible. Others who can't be ruled out: Crouch, Etherington.'

Earlier he tweeted: 'Final home game of my career today. How strange does that feel?! Would be great to make an appearance. Will be a great atmosphere. #150 years.'

While Owen was commiserating the desecration of his car, Stoke were preparing to celebrate their 150th birthday.