Klopp vows to deliver birthday gift for Reds legend Moran
Jurgen Klopp vowed to help deliver the perfect birthday present for Ronnie Moran during the Liverpool legend’s special visit to Melwood.
Moran, who served the club with distinction for nearly half a century, met Klopp for the first time on Monday after being invited to watch the Reds train.
The former Liverpool captain and coach turns 82 on Sunday and Klopp vowed to do his best to ensure the club mark the big day by winning the Capital One Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
Paul Moran, who accompanied his dad on the trip to Melwood, said: “Everyone looked after us brilliantly and it meant a lot to my dad.
“We sat on the balcony upstairs and watched training.
“Jurgen came in and spoke to my dad for a few minutes. He knew who he was. Jurgen said: ‘hello, Ronnie’ and told him he was a legend.
“When I said to Jurgen it was my dad’s birthday on Sunday, he said Liverpool would try to win the cup for him. He was very friendly and respectful.
“A few of the players came in. Jon Flanagan recognised my dad and came across to have a chat. My dad was made up.
“My dad used to go to Melwood regularly after he left the club to do laps around the training pitch for fitness. He can’t do that any more at his age but it was great for him to go back there again.”
Moran, who lives in Blundellsands, retired in 1998 - some 49 years after he joined the Reds as a schooboy. He made 379 appearances between 1952 and 1965 and was club captain when Bill Shankly was appointed in 1959.
He went on to join Shankly’s coaching staff and was part of the famous ‘Boot Room’ that included the likes of Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Reuben Bennett and Roy Evans. Moran also had two stints as caretaker manager.
“My dad doesn’t go to Anfield these days because it’s a bit too much for him but he still loves watching Liverpool on TV and is interested in what’s happening,” Paul added.
“I take him to non-league matches across the area - to the likes of Burscough, Prescot, Marine and Bootle.
“We’re going out early for a family meal on Sunday and then back home to watch the match.
"All the family are coming around for it. Hopefully Jurgen gets his hands on that trophy."
Source: Liverpool Echo
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