Jurgen Klopp and Sir Kenny Dalglish have both paid their tributes to Manchester United hero Sir Bobby Charlton, who died aged 86 last week.
Over the course of the upcoming weekend, every Premier League match will commemorate the life of the 1966 World Cup winner with a minute of applause prior to kickoff.
However, Reds greats Dalglish and Klopp made the extra effort to sign the book of condolences in Charlton’s honor beforehand.
A picture of Klopp was posted on the Manchester United team website, with the caption, “A true legend of the game,” The true gentleman. You will be missed. Peace be with you, Jurgen Klopp.”
Dalglish went to Old Trafford in the interim to write a note and place a wreath at the location of United’s Holy Trinity statue.
The 72-year-old and Charlton had a more intimate relationship when they were rivals in a game between Celtic and Preston North End at the beginning of the 1974–1975 season, adding years of service for Reds and Red Devils alumni, respectively.
Adding, “It’s sad really, for everybody,” Dalglish was speaking in a video on the United website. If at all feasible, I believe you should try to look back at their past. Bobby has a wonderful history of being prosperous, kind, and honorable. In addition to being a terrific football player, he was also an incredible guy.
Both clubs are very, very similar with their football. 1958 you had the air disaster at Munich, Liverpool had their own disaster at Hillsborough. Two or three days after him and Sir Alex Ferguson came over to Liverpool to pay their respects so although there’s rivalry between both clubs and both club’s supporters, there’s no need for any hatred or anything like that.
“For us it was total respect and if United won something we’d be upset because we’d rather it be us, and vice versa – there’s nothing wrong with that.
I had a great time spending time with him; he was a wonderful person. I recall talking to him, and I’ll never forget that when I first became a manager, my wife accompanied me to the game; Lady Norma [Charlton] used to take excellent care of her. Even though it was competitive, helping people was the one thing that ever motivated anyone.
“He was still here, so nobody wants to write it in a book of condolences, but it must be done. Instead, they would prefer to write him a note. He was utterly adored, respected, and cherished, and I believe that the families will have the worst time. Your thoughts are with Norma in particular.
