Emotional Jurgen Klopp reveals ‘there were tears’ when he told Liverpool stars and staff about his shock exit

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JURGEN KLOPP admits there were "tears" when he told Liverpool's staff and players that he'd be leaving at the end of the season.

The German announced his imminent Anfield departure on Thursday morning, much to the shock of the entire footie world.

Klopp informed Reds chiefs of his decision to step down last NOVEMBER, although players and staff only learned of his exit today.

And the Kop icon revealed there was a wave of emotion when he informed them that he's moving on to pastures new.

He said: "I had some talks in the last days when I had to tell other people before the public.

"There were some tears. That's normal when we were so long together.

"The club needs time to plan the future while we are in the present."

Klopp's decision to step down as Anfield chief is the result of burnout from his 24-year-long managerial career.

His name will no doubt creep on the wishlists of Premier League clubs in the future.

But in a show of loyalty to the Merseysiders, he's vowed to NEVER manage in England again.

When pressed on his next move, he said: "No club, no country for the next year.

"No other English club ever. Even if I have nothing to eat, it will not happen."

Attention has already turned to who will replace Klopp in the Anfield dugout.

But unlike Sir Alex Ferguson when he left Manchester United in the summer of 2013, the German WON'T have any say on his successor.

He said: "No [say], why should I?

"In football, some people you don't see often, you live this business and it looks like I do all the work but I don't and I can't.

"What we've built is an incredibly strong structure. It's one of the reasons I can leave."

Klopp transformed Liverpool from underachievers to Premier League and Champions League winners during his time at the helm of the Anfield ship.

But he insists Fenway Sports Group don't need his input on the next man to steer the ship.

He said: "The last thing they need is advice from the old man walking out."

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is the bookie's favourite to replace Klopp, who will go down as one of the club's greatest managers.

But the Spaniard insists he's currently more than happy at Bundesliga big boys Bayer Leverkusen.

He said: "I was surprised by Jurgen's news. I have huge respect for Jurgen and Liverpool.

"At the moment I am really happy here and enjoying my work. Each day and game is a challenge.

"We are in an intense and beautiful journey here at Leverkusen."

"Speculation is normal, but I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool in the last nine years, and how he's done it.

"He has a connection with the fans, he's done a great job, but my focus is here at Bayer Leverkusen.

"I have great motivation to do a good job here, I'm very happy with the team, with the club, with everything, so that's my focus.

"My focus isn't on May, it's on tomorrow ahead of our game against Gladbach and helping my players to be ready.

"But what I will say is it was surprising what happened at Liverpool with Jurgen leaving."

Alonso, however, refused to rule out the prospect of ever taking charge of the Reds.

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