Eyebrows were raised back in April 2016 when Michael Owen became Liverpool Football Club’s first official international ambassador.The former England striker tarnished his legacy in the eyes of the Liverpool supporters by joining Manchester United after leaving Newcastle United in 2009.The Anfield faithful viewed his decision to join Sir Alex Ferguson’s side as a betrayal - despite the fact he’d left Liverpool five years earlier - and couldn’t believe it when their club made him an official ambassador last year.Owen, who also works as a pundit for BT Sport, infuriated Liverpool fans back in May by referring to United as “we” during their Europa League final against Ajax.A petition was even created to have the 2001 Ballon d’Or winner removed from his role as Liverpool’s international ambassador.Just under 25,000 disgruntled fans signed the petition but Owen, to their dismay, kept his job.
Owen's message to Benzema has angered Liverpool fans
Fast-forward six months, however, and Owen has once again managed to annoy the Liverpool supporters.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema conducted an interview with Canal+ and he was shown a video message from the aforementioned Owen, who thanked the French striker for allowing him to join United in 2009.
“I’ve got a lot to thank him for,” Owen said. “He might not know, but I wouldn’t have gone to Manchester United if it wasn’t for Benzema because I think Manchester United wanted to buy Benzema and he chose Real Madrid and I was told by Sir Alex Ferguson ‘we want Benzema but if Benzema doesn’t come, then you’re coming’.
“So I was *pleading* with Benzema to go to Real Madrid - so thank you to him!”
Watch the video here...
Liverpool fans are fuming
Liverpool fans are livid once again.
One fan has created a thread on the Liverpool FC Reddit page asking his fellow supporters if another petition can be started to remove Owen from his position - and many of them, it seems, would be more than willing to sign it…
Liverpool fans: how do you feel about Michael Owen being the club’s official ambassador? Have your say by leaving a comment below.