A former Liverpool academy coach has expressed his gratitude to Jürgen Klopp for the support shown when his son suffered a life-changing brain injury. Anthony Godfrey spent over a decade coaching at Liverpool, working with the club's academy set-ups across the world.
He took to social media to thank Klopp for his support, as the German prepares to take charge of his final game at Anfield. Godfrey's son Joel was 14 when he was involved in a near-fatal incident in 2020, which left him with a hypoxic brain injury.
After being taken out of a coma, Joel was unable to walk, talk or read and had forgotten some of his best memories. His dad revealed he spent three months in Alder Hey children's hospital where he received a touching message from Klopp.
Jürgen Klopp reveals truth about Michael Edwards relationship ahead of Liverpool exit
Jürgen Klopp sends parting message to Man City over 115 charges ahead of Liverpool farewell
The video message read: "Hi Joel. I have heard you are having quite a hard time at the moment. But I have also heard that you have the power to get through it. If I can help in any way, I would like to.
"When you are better, and the world is a normal place, I would like to invite you to the training ground to see all the boys. I hope you get well soon. I wish you all the best. You will never walk alone."
Anthony thanked Klopp for the message, which be believes gave his son hope and belief of getting his life back. He revealed that his son has since completed school, returned to playing football and even ran his first marathon. And the memory of Liverpool winning the Champions League in 2019 in Madrid is now back too.
His heartfelt post on Twitter/X read: "I have never shared this video on social media before as it was too personal and probably too emotional but I felt today was a fitting time to do so before he leaves.
"My 14 year old son at the time endured a tragic incident back in 2020 during Covid that nearly ended his life but managed to come through the coma without the function to walk, talk, read & store instant memory due to a hypoxic brain injury.
"However, when you get a video like this from your idol when being in Alder Hey hospital for 3 months not knowing what life we will look like going forward, not only gave Joel hope but also gave me the belief that he could do this and he will get back being the kid we all loved very much along.
"The world was a completely horrible place at the time and no doubt Klopp was going through difficult times himself through this period but he had the time to do this for Joel. You were far much more than just our manager!"
Liverpool.com says: Nobody can argue about Klopp's impact as a manager but his impact as a man is as big. He has changed so many people's lives during his time as Liverpool boss and this is one of many stories of him reaching out when fans are in need. That is why he is one of the greatest ever.
