‘Emotional’ and ‘heartbroken’ Liverpool fans pay tribute to Jurgen Klopp outside Anfield… as they thank him for giving them some of the ‘best days of their lives’ and joke they ‘owe him a pint or two’!

Liverpool fans have hailed Jurgen Klopp and outlined their sadness after he revealed he would be leaving the club.

The German shocked the footballing world on Friday morning when he announced his intention to depart Anfield at the end of the season, claiming that he is ‘running out of energy’.

A number of figures have since paid tribute to the German’s tenure at Anfield, in which he has won every single trophy apart from the Europa League, with Jamie Carragher and Gary Lineker leading the way. 

Klopp’s decision comes with the Reds in the midst of a stunning campaign where they remain in all four competitions, while they sit top of the Premier League.

And, when speaking to Mail Sport outside Anfield shortly after the news was announced, several Reds supporters admitted their heartache and claimed the news would take a while to sink in.

Klopp announced the news on Friday morning, claiming that he is ‘running out of energy’ 

‘After I stopped crying, I was just absolutely devastated and shocked,’ one Liverpool fan said. ‘I thought it was a joke first but you have got to thank him for everything he’s done and I think we will go on and win everything this season now.’

Another added: ‘I’m really emotional to be honest and upset. I think I can speak for every Liverpool fan, we’re so happy and so content with everything so for the news to come at a pivotal point in the season is really emotional.’

One other anguished supporter said: ‘I’m absolutely devastated. He’s been a great attribute to the club. 

‘It’s overwhelming what he’s done for us over the years and I’m very proud of what he’s achieved.’ 

A further fan said: ‘I woke up this morning, tears came down my eyes and I feel like when he joined Jurgen Klopp said “let’s turn doubters into believers”. He’s amazing and built a legacy here. He is part of Liverpool as a club and as a city.’

Given Klopp has spent nine years at Anfield and won 283 of his 466 games in charge, the German will forever be in Liverpool folklore and in the same bracket as legendary former managers such as Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

And all of the Liverpool fans Mail Sport spoke to couldn’t emphasise enough how much they are grateful for Klopp’s work.

Reds supporters admitted they were ‘devastated’ and ‘shocked’ at the announcement

Klopp has won pretty much every trophy available, including the Premier League in 2020

One added: ‘Jurgen has been manager since I turned 18 and he’s given me some of the best days of my life. 

‘To finally get over the line in the league after 30 years is brilliant and he’s one of those people you’ll forever be indebted to for what he’s done for the football club.’

Another devastated fan said: ‘He needs a statue and a stand. What can I say about him? Such an amazing guy and character and one we’ve all fallen in love with. 

‘He’s been a fantastic manager for us but as a person we have seen the true Jurgen Klopp.’

More supporters expressed their gratitude for the iconic German’s work as one said: ‘I just wanted to thank him for everything he’s done, not only for me but for the football club.

‘The manager has really brought a bond between him and the supporters so I’d like to thank him and I probably owe him a pint or two!’

Elsewhere, despite Klopp announcing his departure ahead a crunch week where Liverpool face league games against Chelsea and Arsenal, Reds supporters refused to criticise the timing of the news.

All the Liverpool fans Mail Sport spoke to were desperate to pass on their thanks to Klopp

Despite their sadness, they also refused to criticise the German’s decision to leave, claiming he had earned the right to depart when he wants too

One said: ‘With all the stress he has been going through, a lot of pressure on him as well, you don’t realise what mentally he’s going through.

‘So the decision to hang his shoes up is heartbreaking, but I feel like we’ve had the best time with him. He can go home, spend the time with his family and go and live the normal life he deserves.’

Another added: ‘I’ll never doubt the man because of what he’s done for us. He deserves to go out when he deserves to go out.’

A final heartbroken fan concluded: ‘I can understand his decision. It must be an exhausting job and he puts his heart and soul into it. He’s done some amazing things.’