Gary Lineker has led tributes to Jurgen Klopp after the 56-year-old confirmed he would be stepping down as Liverpool manager come the end of the campaign.
The German is set for a break, having been in charge of the Reds ever since replacing Brendan Rodgers eight-and-a-half years ago.
Klopp has won every trophy at Liverpool, with Premier League and Champions League triumphs in 2020 and 2019 respectively particularly impressive.
And Lineker has now led tributes to the German, who will leave as a Liverpool legend.
Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season with tributes pouring in
GETTY
"Wow. Huge news. What an incredible job he’s done," the Match of the Day presenter said.
Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher said: "This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came. I just thought it would be another few years away.
"What a manager, what a man, let’s go out with a bang Jurgen!"
Thomas Tuchel, who is currently manager of Bayern Munich, has also lavished praise on Klopp.
“I have to digest that first," he started by saying.
“Kloppo is one of the very best coaches in the world, he has always managed to influence the clubs where he worked. "It's big news”.
Liverpool fans have struggled to digest the news, with some describing Klopp's exit as a 'nightmare' on social media.
"Wake me up from this nightmare," said one devastated user.
"Please tell me this is a joke? I beg you," were the words of a second sad fan.
A third said: "Someone should wake me up for this nightmare."
A fourth said: "Wtf noooo."
And a fifth weighed in by saying: "Leaving on a high, what a manager we had. Made me fall right back in love with the club during struggling times. Thanks for everything Jurgen.
"Without question deserves a statue and stand named after him."
Speaking to club media, Klopp said he was 'losing energy' as he explained his decision to leave Liverpool behind.
“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff," he said.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Wow. Huge news. What an incredible job he’s done. A special @RestIsFootball podcast will be with you this afternoon. https://t.co/FCAB4RrHHX
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 26, 2024
"I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.
“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. "I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.
“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”
Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon has also paid tribute to Klopp, saying: “First and foremost, on behalf of John Henry and Tom Werner, I would like to state our profound appreciation for Jurgen.
"It goes without saying that we will be hugely saddened to lose not just a manager of such calibre, but a person and leader for whom we have enormous respect, gratitude and affection.
Jurgen Klopp leaves Liverpool as a serial winner who rebuilt the club
GETTY
"At the same time, we fully respect his wishes and the reasons why he has decided the current season will be his last at Liverpool.
“In keeping with Jürgen’s expressed wishes, we will save the comprehensive tributes for a more appropriate time but nevertheless, we would be remiss if we did not take this opportunity to reaffirm that his appointment remains one of the greatest blessings of our time as owners.
“The incredible achievements of the intervening years speak for themselves, so too does the joy that Jurgen and his team have brought to all of us supporters.
"His many accomplishments will never be taken for granted. "To appropriate an adage synonymous with another Liverpool managerial great, Jürgen Klopp ‘made the people happy’ and we have total confidence he will continue to do so until his eventual departure."
