Jürgen Klopp pays tribute to Pele

The global football icon, who won three World Cups during a glittering and revered career, died at the age of 82 on Thursday.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Leicester City on Friday night, Klopp paid his own tribute to Pele.

“My dad always said, ‘Whatever happens in the future, Pele was the best, don’t forget that.’ That’s in my mind but I saw him only as a kid playing,” the Reds boss told Sky Sports.

“But I met him once around the World Cup in 2006, in person. I have a signed shirt which he gave to me for my birthday, which is pretty special. So it feels really tough, to be honest.

“Let me say it like this, I believe in God and whichever team he’s playing for now, they get a decent player, so everything will be fine, but of course it will be a massive loss and may he rest in peace.”