Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate has sent a congratulatory message to Paris FC following their promotion to France’s top-tier league on Friday. The Reds have an additional connection with the newly promoted club, as they are part of the Red Bull sports portfolio, with Jurgen Klopp serving as Head of Global Sports.
Paris FC secured their spot in Ligue 1 after a 1-1 draw with Martigues, ensuring a top-two finish for the team. They still have a shot at winning France’s second division, but they’ll need to defeat AC Ajaccio at home and hope for a Lorient loss on the final day.
Klopp was seen in the stands in Paris back in January, marking the start of his role within the Austrian energy company’s sports portfolio. This was his first appearance at Stade Charlety since the club was sold to Bernard Arnault and Red Bull in November.
Konate, a French international born in Paris, took to Instagram to celebrate the club’s achievement, sharing their promotion post along with a series of emojis.
With uncertainty surrounding his contract at Anfield, there have been rumours of interest from European heavyweights including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, his celebration of the success of PSG’s rivals may indicate where his loyalties lie, especially as the club prepares to move to their new stadium next season – just a stone’s throw away from Parc des Princes.
Klopp has expressed his satisfaction with the new ground, a stark contrast to their current home at an athletics arena, which he feels lacks atmosphere.
(Image: (Image: GETTY))
Konate paid tribute to Klopp following the news of his impending departure, saying, “Liverpool is Liverpool. Klopp was the one who came looking for me and got me to the level I’m at today.”
The defender celebrated Liverpool’s title win with his own individual moment inside Anfield last weekend, following the victory over Tottenham.
“After the game, I walked into the stadium and just sat in the stand to feel like a fan and I don’t have words to describe what I felt,” Konate told reporters at Anfield, including from the Liverpool ECHO.
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“I said to my brother, ‘I want to see how it is to sit in the stand if I watch a game’. I tried to act like a fan but the stadium was empty and I just wanted to enjoy the moment on my own.
“We won it with 60,00 fans and us on the pitch. I just wanted to feel something different and I am very happy now. I was close to crying. It’s crazy, unbelievable, and we have to really enjoy it now.
“I think the last day of the season will be more special as we will lift the trophy,” Konate added. “But it’s amazing after four seasons, I did it, finally, and I’m very happy.
