LIVERPOOL MANAGER Jurgen Klopp says he's learned a lot about his club's connection to Ireland during his five years in charge.
The German - who guided the Reds to their sixth Champions League crown last year, and their first Premier League title in June - appeared on The Last Word on Today FM, to speak with the family of Sean Cox.
Cox suffered life-changing injuries following an unprovoked attack in April 2018 when he travelled to Rome to watch his beloved Liverpool play in the Champions League semi-final.
Ever since, Klopp has been deeply supportive of the family's cause and has stayed in contact with Cox during his road to recovery.
"I had no idea about the [Irish connection to Liverpool] to be honest. But I am really happy to experience it now," Klopp said.
"Two of my favourite games with Liverpool were in Dublin - it was just great. 'Thank you Ireland', I said after one press conference I think.
"The first thing I heard, by the way, when I came to Liverpool is that a Scouser is an Irish man or woman who can swim.
Jürgen Klopp! ❤️✊🏻🇮🇪 "A scouser is an Irish man (or woman) who can swim!" 🌊🏊🏻♂️
Jürgen joined @Cooper_M for his first Irish interview to talk about the Seán Cox family, the love / life lessons @LFC has taught him & how he can’t wait to see fans back in stadiums. pic.twitter.com/nBnphW72k7— Today FM 💛 (@TodayFM) October 28, 2020
"So that's what people told me. So we are probably close to Ireland than any other city in England.
"That's this club, that's what this club is built on. That's what Bill Shankly was the heart and soul of and that's what we really want to keep today.’
"I've heard that some of the Irish people are Man United fans as well, so: no place in the world is perfect."
In April 2019, a charity match between a Liverpool Legends side and a Republic of Ireland XI, raised €748,000 for the Seán Cox Rehabilitation Trust.
Nearly 27,000 supporters flocked to the game in Dublin, including Klopp himself.
"It was a sensational moment, seeing Martina standing opposite smiling like hell," Klopp said.
"I like having people but usually I don't have people I don't know but, in this moment, nobody could hold me back, it felt absolutely great."
