​ Liverpool have named Michael Owen as the club's first ever 'International Ambassador', with the former striker set to represent the Reds at "various fan and commercial events" around the world in his new role.





"As a Liverpool fan I am honoured and delighted to have been asked to play this international role for the club," Owen, who now works as a pundit and co-commentator for BT Sport, told the club's official website.

"Liverpool FC is the world's greatest football family and it's great for me to be able to represent the club in an official capacity once again."

Owen is one of the more famous products of Liverpool's famed academy, emerging in the same era as Anfield legends Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard. He scored 157 goals in the club's colours and even won the 2001 Ballon d'Or, yet fans don't appear too happy about the appointment.

The irony of Owen later signing for fierce rivals Manchester United, albeit when his career was winding down, has not been lost. He often speaks from the perspective of a 'former United player' in his media and public work and is not too popular with many on Merseyside these days.







Michael Owen ambassador decision shows another level of how out of touch some of the execs at the club are — Kev (@scouserevo) April 21, 2016

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I genuinely hated Michael Owen as a player when he was with lfc. Represents the Houllier pigball era. — Darth Vaper (@Phil_LFCDT) April 21, 2016

Michael Owen is nothing more than a spy in our ranks. Crazy decision. #LFC @LFC — Ramalamadingdong (@HershySquit) April 21, 2016

so michael owen is now an ambassador for LFC? Couldnt they find someone that liverpool fans actually like ? — Advan_Sports_Science (@Advan_Sports_Sc) April 21, 2016

My history is a little hazy but isn't this the same Michael Owen who ditched the Pool when his ego exploded and then played for Utd? #LFC — Michael Doyle (@MDoyler) April 21, 2016

Michael Owen?



International??



Ambassador???







— Kirsty (@LFCKirstyLFC) April 21, 2016

Michael Owen has been dead to me since he played for Manchester United that one season. Never mind him having a huge crush on Alex Ferguson. — Pamela Booi (@pamela_booi) April 21, 2016

​​Manchester United fans, meanwhile, thought it was hilarious.

Big congratulations to @themichaelowen on becoming @LFC's first ambassador. A true Scouser, what an honour for him. pic.twitter.com/PV8I8DeLmK — United Peoples TV (@UnitedPeoplesTV) April 21, 2016

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The same Michael Owen who got the winner for united in the Manchester derby 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/FjP451PuB3 — Karl Anscombe (@KarlAnscombe) April 21, 2016

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Liverpool appointed Michael Owen as their club ambassador 😂😂😂😂 what a joke of a club — Nadim #MUFC (@Nadim_UTD) April 21, 2016

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Liverpool appoint Manchester United's Premier League winner Michael Owen as International Club ambassador. 😂 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/QsQn8uEI4k — Manchester United (@ManUtds_News) April 21, 2016

​​To continue the discussion on Twitter follow @jamiespencer155

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