Liverpool's supporters were less than impressed by the announcement on Thursday that former striker Michael Owen has been appointed as the club's first "international ambassador".

Owen came through Liverpool's youth system and scored 158 goals in 297 appearances for the club, but later spent three years with their hated rivals Manchester United.

"A snake becomes our international ambassador," wrote one unenthused fan in response to the Twitter post announcing the news.

Another tweeted: "Is he going to become Man United's international ambassador in a few years as well?"

Liverpool said that Owen's role would involve "engaging with fans around the world and representing the club at various fan and commercial events".

Owen, who won the Ballon d'Or while at Liverpool in 2001, said: "As a Liverpool fan I am honoured and delighted to have been asked to play this international role for the club.

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