Jurgen Klopp’s long-anticipated return to Liverpool has been confirmed and the German will be back in the city next month.
Reports emerged on Tuesday that the ex-Liverpool manager would be back for an LFC Foundation event in May and news confirming his attendance followed swiftly.
“Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will make his first official appearance as an honorary ambassador for LFC Foundation since leaving the club when he joins its annual Gala Ball as guest speaker,” the club said in a statement.
“Jurgen was a long-standing admirer and ambassador of LFC Foundation during his time at LFC, and reaffirmed his commitment to the charity following his departure by becoming LFC Foundation’s first ever honorary ambassador last summer. He will join the club’s official charity at its Gala Ball on Friday May 23 at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, in partnership with Forever Reds.”
Liverpool confirmed other legendary club figures will be in attendance at the black-tie event, with tickets now available.
“Everyone knows how much I love the work of LFC Foundation and I can’t wait to join them to celebrate that work and help to raise important funds for them to continue the incredible things they are doing,” said Klopp as the news was confirmed.
It’s the first time he has been back in Liverpool since last summer, when he attended a Taylor Swift concert at Anfield in June, just weeks after his final match in charge of the Reds. Klopp, who hasn’t spoken publicly about Liverpool since January, is also rumored to be planning to attend the final home match of the season against Crystal Palace that weekend, when Arne Slot’s side is expected to lift the Premier League trophy.
(Image: Getty Images)
The now head of soccer at Red Bull also seemed to confirm in an interview last month that he will be in attendance if there is a trophy parade, which would likely take place the day after the Palace game on the Bank Holiday Monday.
“Yes, the plan is [to be in Liverpool] but not on the bus,” he said. “That’s the idea to be honest, but we will see. I think I will be there for the last game. I didn’t want to go earlier to be honest because I didn’t want to jinx it. So I go there when it’s decided.”
Klopp left Liverpool last year after nearly nine years in charge of the club, a period that saw the Reds end their 30-year wait for a league title and collect a sixth Champions League/European Cup. He was announced as an honorary ambassador for LFC Foundation before his departure and contributed to several charitable events and fundraisers during his time as manager.
“We are looking forward to this year’s Gala Ball and we are delighted that Jurgen will be joining us to support the event,” said Matt Parish, LFC Foundation’s chief executive.
“Jurgen was a fantastic advocate for our work during his time at the club and we appreciate his ongoing support, and hope as many people as possible can join us on what is sure to be a memorable night and an opportunity to raise funds to allow us to continue to grow and support even more people in our communities, as well as supporting Forever Reds.”
