As Jürgen Klopp leaves the club this weekend, a Liverpool superfan has made a lasting tribute to him.
After nine years in charge, the much-loved manager will lead his last game with the team on Sunday against Wolves.
And artist and graphic designer Anita Harwood has made a ‘Superkloppbanana’ to celebrate Klopp’s impact on the team and his status as a ‘adopted scouser’ that will go on a little tour of the city to raise money for the LFC Foundation and Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation.
Anita, a lifelong fan, redesigned one of the original miniature Superlambananas to commemorate Liverpool’s 2008 European Capital of Culture designation.
Following its purchase at a charity auction by Tim Edwards, the sculpture has been given a makeover by Anita to mark Klopp’s tenure at LFC.
With assistance from West Wallasey Van Hire, who have provided a brand-new tipper van for the occasion, they will take the new-look Superlambanana on a special route on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May, encouraging donations along the way for the two charities.
Saturday, May 18, from 8am to 12pm, will see the 10th annual Run For The 97 in Stanley Park. For a cash charity donation, runners and spectators are asked to snap a selfie.
Run For The 97 is organised and delivered by independent race organisation BTR Liverpool.
The sculpture will then stop throughout the day at spots like The Liverpool Olympia and the Jurgen Klopp Mural on Randolph Street, allowing fans to snap a few selfies.
Anita, 50, said:
“Throughout his time at Liverpool, Klopp has become a real adopted scouser and, as fans, it’ll be an emotional farewell to him this weekend.
“I wanted to create a lasting tribute to him and help fans and the people of Liverpool celebrate his time at the club, spreading a bit of joy across the city.
“The charities which we’ve chosen to support do incredible work throughout Liverpool and beyond, so we’re hoping that our Superkloppbanana will be able to raise funds and make an impact on how they help to enhance local people’s lives.”
Anita and Tim hope the sculpture will be used as a special mascot at future charitable events by the LFC Foundation or The Jamie Carragher 23 Foundation after it completes its city tour this weekend.
Mike Lepic, volunteer at Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation, said:
“In our 15th year, we are extremely grateful to Fitwell for their continued support. They have been a supporter for over a decade and we’re looking forward to seeing the Superkloppbanana touring Liverpool as part of the farewell to Klopp!
The Superkloppbanana will be on display at the below locations/times:
Saturday 18 May
At Run For The 97 in Stanley Park: 8am-12pm
The Liverpool Olympia, West Derby Road: 1.30-2.30pm
The Jurgen Klopp Mural on Randolph Street: 3-4pm
(Followed by a route along the Dock Road, West Derby, Queens Drive and South Liverpool)
Sunday 19 May
The Liverpool Olympia, West Derby Road: 9-10pm
Near Anfield Stadium: 10.30-11.30am
(Followed by a route to South Liverpool)
Following this weekend’s activities, fans can still visit the sculpture at Fitwell on Smithdown Road from next week.
To donate to the charities, visit the JustGiving page.
A Superkloppbanana merchandise shop has also been set up, selling unique keepsakes, a percentage of which will continue to go to the charities, which you can visit here.
READ MORE: JÜRGEN KLOPP REVEALS HIS BEST LFC MOMENTS AND BIGGEST LESSONS
