They may be bitter rivals on the pitch but even Liverpool FC have now acknowledged the loss of Seamus Coleman after he broke his leg playing for Ireland.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp took time out to write about the Killybegs man in his programme message to fans during yesterday’s Merseyside derby.
And Klopp said he hopes that 28-year-old Seamus returns to the game soon.
“I would like to pass on my regards and best wishes to Seamus Coleman, who due to very unfortunate circumstances is not available to play today,” Klopp wrote.
He added “I do not know him personally, but as a football supporter I love his character, his positive approach to the game and his commitment to his club.
“There is a lot to admire about this player and it is his personal qualities that will help him as he recovers from this setback and returns to the game.”
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also voiced his support for rival Seamus.
He said the game, which Liverpool went on to win 3-1, would be lesser because of Seamus’ horrific injury.
“Turning back specifically to today’s game, on behalf of all the players at Liverpool FC I’d like to wish Seamus Coleman a speedy recovery from the injury he suffered while on international duty,” Henderson wrote.
“I can’t claim to know Seamus that well, beyond encounters on the pitch, but I can say that today’s Merseyside derby is a poorer contest for not having him involved in it.
“He is one of the most competitive players you could come up against and I know from talking to friends in the Republic of Ireland team and also the Everton players who represent England, that he is a real footballer’s footballer; no one has a bad word for him and everyone respects him.
“From everything I’ve heard about his character he’ll be back even stronger from this and even though he makes Everton a better team, we all look forward to seeing him return to football as quickly as is possible.”
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