‘City with open arms’ – Jurgen Klopp writes open letter to the ECHO for the people of Liverpool

VaselineMay 18, 2024

0 3 minutes read

‘City with open arms’ – Jurgen Klopp writes open letter to the ECHO for the people of Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s nine years in charge of Liverpool comes to an end tomorrow when he steps out at Anfield for the final time.

The German brought the glory days back to Anfield with eight major trophies lifted and countless brilliant performances from Liverpool.

But his impact has gone beyond football, with Klopp embracing life on Merseyside since arriving in 2015. And in an exclusive open letter to ECHO readers, Klopp explains his love and gratitude for the city he called home for nine years .

Dear Echo Reader,

Before I came to Liverpool I had never written a letter to a newspaper in my life. I am now writing my second letter to the Liverpool Echo, which probably tells you a few things.

The first is that I’m probably at “that age” now. The second is that this is a newspaper that plays an important role in this city. The third is that it’s a great way for me to talk to as many people who live here as possible.

The most important reason, however, is that the time has come to say goodbye. I know this isn’t news anymore, but it’s important to tell you.

For me, Liverpool is the city with open arms. A place that welcomes you like a son and doesn’t care where you come from. He just wants you to be a part of it and I couldn’t be more proud that you allowed me to have that incredible privilege.

A city that offers this kind of welcome deserves at least a proper farewell.

There is so much I could say now and there are so many special moments I could talk about. On and off the court we created memories between us that will live with me forever.

But when I think about this town and its wonderful people, the biggest lesson I will take with me is that giving up is definitely not in the Scouse dictionary.

If you’re from around here, chances are you’re not only ready to fight, you actually want to fight. Not only that, the way you stick together in all kinds of circumstances means that even when the odds are stacked against you, it’s still possible to win.

I love this more than I could ever say.

This is why one of my proudest moments was having the freedom of Liverpool. To receive that honor on a night when the leaders of the city were talking about me, a boy from the Black Forest, as if I were one of their own is one of the greatest privileges of my life.

The same goes for homecoming parades. wow

Sharing moments of success with people might just be special no matter what club you’re at, but the way Liverpool do it takes it to a whole new level. That even the day after a big disappointment – as happened in 2022 – makes it even more extraordinary.

Besides that, I liked that this is a football city. No matter where you go in Liverpool and no matter who you talk to, people want to talk about football. Not just on chat. Every word comes with a passion and a love for the game.

Of course, I’m on the red side and always will be now, but I know from experience that the same is absolutely true of the blue side. Living near the River Mersey clearly has this effect on people.

Tomorrow will be my last time in charge of Liverpool FC and it will be an occasion where we will once again look to make our supporters proud, but it will also be an opportunity to remember the times we spent together.

For me, all those memories will come with love and gratitude for the time I spent here. Liverpool is a city we’ve lived and worked in, but it’s also a place we’ve fallen in love with. We owe him so much.

All that remains for me now is to wish you all the best for the future. Liverpool deserve it. You deserve it.

Thank you. Thanks for everything. Thank you Luv.

Order our one-on-one Jurgen Klopp worldwide special here and read all our coverage ahead of his emotional departure here

VaselineMay 18, 2024

0 3 minutes read

Vaseline

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