'Obviously Ulla wants me to do well and be fine, and when she realised that I’m really clear about that – and she knows I don’t take these kind of things lightly – she is happy for me, that I’m happy with the decision. Because that’s the truth.'

During Klopp's time in charge of Dortmund, Ulla had expressed concerns over his wellbeing during his final season in 2015, having been in charge of the Bundesliga side for seven seasons. 

Klopp said he had informed the club of his decision to step down in November - and that he revealed it while discussing transfer targets for next summer. 

'When we sat there together talking about potential signings, the next summer camp and can we go wherever, the thought came up, 'I am not sure I am here then anymore' and I was surprised myself by that,' he said.

Klopp even revealed the possibility he could retire from football management altogether - but said he needed more time before making a final decision.

'If you ask me, "Will you ever work as a manager again?" I would say now no. But I don’t know obviously how that will feel because I never had the situation. 

'What I know definitely – I will never, ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool, 100 per cent. That’s not possible. My love for this club, my respect for the people is too big. I couldn’t. I couldn’t for a second think about it. There’s no chance.'

The president of Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group expressed their gratitude towards Klopp for his achievements at the club and said plans were already underway to ensure the Reds succeed when the German has departed.

'First and foremost, on behalf of John Henry and Tom Werner, I would like to state our profound appreciation for Jurgen,' said Mike Gordon. 

'It goes without saying that we will be hugely saddened to lose not just a manager of such calibre, but a person and leader for whom we have enormous respect, gratitude and affection. At the same time, we fully respect his wishes and the reasons why he has decided the current season will be his last at Liverpool. 

'Our priority now is two-fold. First, to ensure that the progress that has been made on the pitch this season is maintained in the final months of the campaign. Second, to continue the due diligence behind the scenes which will allow our football operations department to adapt to a future without Jurgen.'

Klopp's assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz will also leave in the summer - with the former looking to move into management. 

Club legend Jamie Carragher led the tributes towards Klopp on Friday, calling it a 'body blow' as he hailed the German's remarkable achievements.