KLOPP: HE’LL BE A LOSS WE CAN’T PRETEND OTHERWISE

DAVID MADDOCK

JURGEN KLOPP says Liverpool fans should celebrate the career of “one of Anfield’s greatest players” and an “icon”.

Mane’s exit to Bayern Munich was confirmed yesterday and boss Klopp (left, with the forward) said: “It’s a big moment. There is no point in anyone trying to pretend otherwise. One of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant it is.

“He leaves with our gratitude and our love. He leaves with his status among the greats guaranteed. He leaves at a moment where he is one of the best players in world football.

“But we must not dwell on what we now lose, instead celebrate what we were privileged to have. Since he first stepped through the door, he made us better. The goals he scored, the trophies he won. A legend, a modern-day Liverpool icon.”