Liverpool part-owner LeBron James has thanked Jurgen Klopp after the German announced his intention to step down as manager. Klopp will depart Anfield at the end of the season after a hugely successful eight-and-a-half years in charge.
Basketball legend James is a minority stakeholder at Liverpool. He joined forces with Fenway Sports Group, becoming a part-owner in 2011.
The American has been at several Liverpool games in the past despite his commitments with the LA Lakers. James took to social media on Friday to pay tribute to the outgoing Klopp, who he says will “never be forgotten”.
Posting on X, James wrote: “THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING AND MORE!! You are one helluva manager and you’ll never be forgotten and more importantly YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE!! The Reds will miss you!!”
Meanwhile, reported Liverpool target Kylian Mbappe recently revealed that James had been giving him ‘advice’. Reds fans will hope that the 39-year-old is busy convincing the Frenchman to move to Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe’s PSG contract expires at the end of the season. He reportedly has an offer from Real Madrid, who have a long-standing interest, but is undecided on where he will play his football next season.
Liverpool have been loosely linked with Mbappe in the past. It is unclear if FSG harbour the finances to pull off such a mega-money deal, while Klopp’s impending departure will not aid in convincing the former Monaco star to make the move.
“He has a much more advanced career than I do, and projects outside sport that have cemented his place as a legend,” Mbappe told GQ of his relationship with James.
“Being able to ask such inspiring personalities for advice is a chance to adjust my projects and create my own thing that is as effective as possible for today’s young people.
“These projects grow with me and make me particularly proud. It’s important for me to convey values like dialogue and sharing by surrounding myself with partners who support but above all understand and validate my societal commitment.”
Klopp announced his decision to leave at the end of the season on Friday. The 56-year-old will take a year out, ruling out taking a job at club or international level in that time. He also insists he will not manage another English club.
Speaking of his players’ reactions, he said: “We have a really strong bond with the players so they didn’t ask questions yet because we are professionals. You can see the boys are in a really good mood. They weren’t having a party when I told them but it was just an announcement.”
