FORMER Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp has left fans shellshocked – after being spotted celebrating with ex-Anfield transfer target Kylian Mbappe.
The French superstar, 27, spearheaded his country into the World Cup semi-finals with a stunning opener in a 2-0 win over Morocco last night.
Jurgen Klopp celebrated with Kylian Mbappe after France’s win over Morocco Credit: Getty
The pair were spotted embracing following the final whistle Credit: AP
Videos showed Klopp embracing Mbappe, who is among the frontrunners for the tournament’s Golden Boot, and waving to the crowd after the final whistle.
The Real Madrid talisman is now preparing to face the winners of the tie between Spain and Belgium with a spot in the final up for grabs.
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It came after Klopp, 59, revealed he boarded a swanky private jet during his Liverpool reign in a desperate attempt to beat Paris Saint-Germain to Mbappe’s signature.
And the jubilant scenes between the pair resulted in Liverpool fans racing onto social media to rue the one that got away.
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One said: “What could’ve been.”
Another added: “I wish they were together in Liverpool.”
A third chimed in: “You can tell it would’ve been meant to be.”
A fourth noted: “Reminiscing about the plane ride.”
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Mbappe pointed out someone in the crowd while speaking to Klopp Credit: EPA
And a fifth simply commented: “What if…”
Klopp, who is on course to become the new Germany boss, has been on punditry duties for MagentaTV during the World Cup.
During the broadcast of France’s win over Morocco, the Premier League and Champions League winner admitted Anfield chiefs splashed the cash in a bid to tempt Mbappe to Merseyside.
When speaking about the forward, Klopp said: “The most expensive non-transfer that we [Liverpool] invested in.
“We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the whole Mbappe family got on board a private plane with five rooms or something.
“We really went big. Then we flew around in a circle, talked to the family, ate good food.
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The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up as we head towards the business end of the tournament.
England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on fire.
But the likes of France, Spain and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way.
Heavyweights Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and Portugal have all been knocked out.
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“We weren’t allowed to be seen. We flew in a circle. It was fantastic. And then he went to Paris.”
Mbappe has emotional ties to Liverpool, with his mother understood to be a fan of the Merseyside giants.
