Former Liverpool football manager Jurgen Klopp has shared his admiration for New Zealand badminton player Wotjek Czyz, cheering him on at the Paralympics in France.
Klopp watched from the stands at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, sitting beside Cryz’s wife Elena Brambilla-Czyz.
He told reporters he was there to support his friend and to also encourage interest in the Paralympics.
“Jurgen is family, we’ve known each other for more than 20 years,” Czyz said.
“He’s simply amazed by not only what I’m doing, but by para sport itself. He’s here to give a shout-out and sign to watch the Paralympic Games.”
Main photo: Jurgen Klopp (left) with friend Wotjek Czyz. Photo credit: Jurgen Klopp instagram.
Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of the last English Premier League season, said: “If I had time in the past I would’ve shown up earlier
“It’s the first time I’ve had the chance to come here and the nice part of it is that my good friend Wojtek is part of the Paralympics so I can combine two things.”
The pair became friends when Czyz was a professional footballer who suffered a career-ending injury in his last game for Cfr Grunstadt after signing a pro’ contract with Fortuna Koln.
The knee injury, suffered in a collision with the opposing goalkeeper, led to his left leg being amputated.
Klopp was the manager of German club Mainz at the time and helped organise a benefit match to help Czyz.
They became friends, and Czyz (44) moved to New Zealand after sailing around the world, and having represented Germany at past Paralympics.
He has become the first badminton player to represent New Zealand at the games.
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This story was first published on September 1, 2024.
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