Jurgen Klopp revealed he ‘burst into tears’ after reading fan letters ahead of his final game as Liverpool manager.
The curtain falls on Klopp’s Anfield tenure on Sunday after a glittering nine-year spell on Merseyside.
Klopp announced his shock departure from the club in January and has since led the Reds to Carabao Cup success and a return to the Champions League.
But as his impending exit draws to an end, the 57-year-old reflected on his bond with the Liverpool supporters.
During his final press conference on Friday, Klopp – who appeared to choke up at times towards the end – was asked to explain how the fans have taken to him during his time at the club.
“I can’t,” Klopp told reporters ahead of Sunday’s clash with Wolves. “I try to explain why the people like me so much but I don’t understand it properly.
“We never really disappointed them. The club is special, the club means the world to so many people.
“Over the last few weeks it was really extreme,” Klopp added. “[I received] Emails, letters, if I answer them all I’m here until 2028.
“I apologise, I couldn’t sort tickets for the last game, there were a lot of requests.
“LFC TV had me read letters yesterday. With one, I burst into tears. Football changes lives and I know that. We did that.
“Experience is there to learn from. Keep doing it for the next manager and you will feel the same way. We have very special supporters. The last nine years meant the world to them and I’m happy about that.”
The outgoing Liverpool boss also paid tribute to the city of Liverpool and its people while describing his time on Merseyside as unforgettable.
“Super influential,” said Klopp when asked about his life in the city. “It will be so hard to say goodbye, I loved everything about this place.
“I take memories with me, fantastic memories. Friendships forever. When time slips through your fingers, you only realise later on.
“I don’t think it was a quick nine years,” he continued. “We used absolutely everything, tried to make the best of everything and enjoyed it as much as possible.
“I will not forget a day in that time because I met the best people I ever met and the best club I could have imagined in a wonderful, very special city.”
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- Jurgen Klopp recalls ‘bursting into tears’ reading fan letters in emotional final Liverpool press conference
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