SIR ALEX FERGUSON took Jurgen Klopp out for an “outstanding” dinner ahead of the German’s Liverpool farewell.
Klopp, 56, is set to bid goodbye to Anfield this afternoon after his side’s final day clash with Wolves.
The iconic Liverpool boss has admitted to having an “emotional” week ahead of his Merseyside swansong.
Despite being a legend across the M62, Ferguson holds a begrudging, warm respect for Klopp.
The Scot, 82, famously reversed his decision to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season – but Klopp has always insisted that he will not follow suit in performing a U-turn.
This week, the pair enjoyed an evening in each other’s company over dinner.
Klopp described the occasion as “outstanding” when speaking ahead of his final match in charge against Wolves.
In 2022, Ferguson presented the outgoing Liverpool boss with his LMA Manager of the Year award.
He described doing so as “absolute agony”, before joking: “I should have told him to go to Scunthorpe United.”
Klopp reflected on his final week as Liverpool boss, after clearing out his office.
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He said: “I was super-emotional in moments this week.
“The players said incredibly nice things about me and other staff who are leaving.
“I only made a joke here and there because if I’d started really to say what I thought, I would have gone emotionally. So I protected myself from that.
“On Sunday, I have to find the right words. I speak to 60,000 and . . . worldwide. The last time it will be super-difficult.”
Posting on his new Instagram account, Klopp added: “Last session done and it was strange I would say.
“Few of the coaches got quite emotional, I would so.
“I didn’t quite yet. I told myself that tomorrow’s a game and after that is holiday.
“Obviously, I decide what I think until I get overwhelmed tomorrow.
“So, I will leave this place which is… erm… yeah… an interesting experience I would say.”
SunSport understands Klopp is ready to snub a return to management and retire to his Majorcan villa.
