HE did not cry, but Jurgen Klopp definitely welled up as Anfield serenaded him with 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before kick-off.
His eyes glistened as he sat in the dugout with his trademark baseball cap pulled down low.
Klopp is all about emotion, but he did not want to show the enormity of the occasion was getting to him before a ball had been kicked.
After a comfortable win for Liverpool, Klopp re-emerged, having swapped his black T-shirt for a red hoodie, with the words "Thank you Luv' on the front and 'I'll Never Walk Alone Again' on the back.
He was given a guard of honour by his players and staff to a platform in the centre circle where he said goodbye to Anfield, hailing the fans as "a superpower".
"It doesn't feel like the end, it feels like the start," said Klopp, addressing Anfield.
"I saw a team full of youth, full of creativity, full of desire. That's one part of the development you need.
This story is from the May 20, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 20, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
UNITED FIRE AS SLOPPY REDS FREEZE
TRENT IS NOT ON THE RIGHT PATH
PAYING PENALTY
McKenna's spot of bother as Jimenez denies Tractor Boys
Savinho's putting Jack in the shade
PEP URGES GREALISH TO LEARN FROM WING RIVAL
SANTO CLAUS NUNO
Wolves remain grateful for gift from former manager
Isidor still open to big promotion
BLACK CATS ON MARCH
RUTHLESS SMALL BOAT GANGS SET FOR 'BIG SPRINGTIME PUSH'
Migrant Channel crossings will soar in 2025, warns National Crime Agency chief
LUKE HAS IT IN HIS HANDS TO NUKE MY HAUL
Taylor says no surprise if star beats 16-title record
Fin finally puts boot into Bath
LATE SHOW 'MASSIVE' FOR SAINTS
Clay's Festival salvo
THE YELLOW CLAY is William Hill's 4-1 (from 8-1) favourite for Cheltenham's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle after defending his unbeaten record over obstacles at Naas yesterday.
Tesco and Sainsbury's will reveal festive performance
TESCO and Sainsbury's are expected to reveal this week that they did well over Christmas - despite pressure on shoppers' budgets.