Michael Owen signs deal with Spey

Former England footballer, Michael Owen, has signed a three-year contract to become the global ambassador of Scotch whisky brand Spey.

Michael Owen and John McDonough, CEO of Spey, celebrate the their deal at Manor House – a thoroughbred horse racing facility in Cheshire co-owned by Michael.

It is the first drinks endorsement made by Owen who enjoyed a long career playing for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United before retiring in 2013.

On signing the deal Owen said: “I am delighted to become the worldwide brand ambassador for Spey whisky. Since I retired as a professional footballer I have been able to enjoy some of the finer things in life and enjoying a glass or two of Spey whisky is certainly a little treat I afford myself on occasion!

“I am really looking forward to helping promote such a prestigious brand, particularly in Asia where I am happily spending more and more of my time these days.”

A limited edition Michael Owen branded Spey whisky is set to be released later this year by the Scotch whisky brand, which is owned by Speyside Distillers Co Ltd.

John Harvey McDonough, CEO of Speyside Distillers, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Michael, a true icon of international football as well as a great family man. Spey is an increasingly iconic brand, especially in international territories.

“We are also a family business, so the fit could not be better.”

As part of his duties as brand ambassador, Owen will make a number of trips to the far east, especially Taiwan, China and South East Asia to promote the brand, where it is already an established brand.