Germany honored former Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp with the country’s Order of Merit on Tuesday, October 1, in a ceremony hosted by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Berlin’s Schloss Bellevue castle, Reuters reports.
Steinmeier, who holds a largely ceremonial role, handed Klopp the award for his achievements towards German-British friendship and his involvement “in social and community activities” such as “assisting underprivileged young people” and living “tolerance, team spirit and solidarity.”
“From Liverpool, Great Britain’s most popular German contributed considerably towards a positive image of our country,” the ceremony’s moderator told the gathering where 27 other people were also awarded the Order of Merit.
Juergen Klopp stunned the world of football in January when he announced he would stand down as Liverpool manager at the end of season, saying that after more than eight hugely successful years in charge he was running out of energy.
In July, Klopp distanced himself from the vacant England manager position, saying that he had no plans to take up a new role anytime soon.
