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Jürgen Klopp gives classy gift to journalists at final Liverpool press conference

Jürgen Klopp speaks to Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle after being presented with a canvas print of some of his greatest moments in charge of Liverpool during his final pre-match press conference
Jürgen Klopp is presented with a canvas print of some of his greatest moments in charge of Liverpool during his final pre-match press conference -Credit:Getty Images


Jürgen Klopp’s time as Liverpool manager is coming to an end, but there was still time for him to show his class during his final press conference.

Klopp will take charge of his final game at Anfield on Sunday when the Reds face Wolves in the last game of the season. It gives the Liverpool faithful one last opportunity to show their appreciation before the German hands the reins over to Arne Slot this summer.

Before he goes though, Klopp fulfilled his usual media duties on Friday, although his pre-match conversations with the media took on a different slant to the usual as he reminisced on his near-nine years on Merseyside.

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Once the formalities were done and the cameras were turned off, Klopp presented the media assembled with bottles of champagne, as per the ECHO. In turn, the departing Liverpool boss was handed a specially commissioned canvas print of some of his greatest moments in charge of the club.

A collection from those who worked regularly with Klopp was also made for a charity of his choice. The 56-year-old elected to give the money to Fans Supporting Foodbanks.

Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, Klopp said: “It is nearly a decade in my life and super-influential in so many ways. We spoke before how hard it will be to say goodbye because I love everything about this place. I take memories with me, fantastic memories. I take friendships with me, relationships with me – forever.

"You realize the older you get when time slips through your finger you only realize later on you look back and think 'My God, that was quick'. I don't think it was quick, the nine years. I really think it was the absolute opposite of a waste of time. We used absolutely everything and tried to make the best out of everything and tried to enjoy it as much as somehow possible.

"A decade in your life is a massive one and I will not forget a day in that time because I met the best people I ever met and I did it for the best club I could have imagined. That is how it is. In a wonderful, very, very special city.

"Nothing is perfect nowadays but the maturity of the people in this city is as close as possible because of the way they are, the way they deal with life, the way you welcome you and the way you treat you. And I don't mean me, I mean all people I know who arrive in this city. What they tell me describes people in Liverpool and that is wonderful to know.

"I am completely at peace. It is wonderful to know I spent a big time of my life here. I got the key to the city and I know probably for a lot of people that's rather funny but for me it feels like responsibility. I don't imagine the club will need my help in the future but if the city needs me I am there. I want to be helpful in whatever way and we will see how that looks.”

Liverpool.com says: A real touch of class from Klopp, who has clearly taken not just the club, but the city of Liverpool to his heart. The feeling is very much mutual.