Michael Owen has hit back at Liverpool fans over his ambassadorial role at the club.
Owen angered some Reds supporters when he ‘thanked’ Karim Benzema for helping pave the way for his controversial move to Manchester United in 2009.
The former England international revealed in a French television show that Sir Alex Ferguson had been tracking Benzema prior to his switch to Real Madrid.
“I thank Benzema because without him I would never have gone to Manchester United,” he said.
“Ferguson told me that I will only sign if he couldn’t get Benzema. And that’s what happened.”
That interview drew the ire from Liverpool fans on social media, who questioned Owen’s continuing role as an international ambassador at Anfield.
But the 37-year-old highlighted his repeated attempts to secure a return to Merseyside since originally leaving for Real in the summer of 2004.
“I’ve been reading the usual hateful messages about me playing for Man Utd,” he wrote.
“Once again and for the avoidance of doubt: I love Liverpool, and before every move since I left I tried to go back.
“It never happened and so I had to continue my career by signing for other clubs.”
Owen scored 158 times in 297 games for Liverpool between 1997 and 2004 before playing for Real, Newcastle, Manchester United and Stoke City.
He won the 2011 Premier League title during his time at Old Trafford.