Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers pay tribute to Pele

Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers have joined the cast of footballers to pay tribute to Pele – who has died aged 82.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, the Brazilian, who won three world titles, died after a battle with cancer.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp referenced his father in his tribute to Pele, saying he is his favorite player and his influence is being passed on to him.

Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to Pele, who has died aged 82 after a battle with cancer

“My dad always said whatever happens in the future, Pele was the best,” he said.

“It’s in my head (my dad and what he told me). I met him once at the 2006 World Cup. I have a signed jersey that he gave me for my birthday.

“So yeah, it feels tough to be honest. I believe in God and I believe that no matter which team plays they will have at least one good player and everything will be fine. Rest in peace.’

Brendan Rodgers referred to his late father when paying tribute to the Brazilian – and said when he thinks of Pele he thinks of his parents

Meanwhile, Rodgers echoed his successor’s feelings, saying his father also considers Pele the best.

“Well, I think you saw everyone’s outbursts of emotion after his death.

“He always reminds me of my father. So when I see him I think of my father who is no longer with us. The burst of emotion says everything about him as a player and as a person.”

Klopp and Rodgers’ comments come after a host of other Premier League managers paid tribute to the late Brazilian.

“Football is football thanks to this type of people, players and people,” said Pep Guardiola.

Pele, widely known as the greatest footballer of all time, has now passed away after an extraordinary life

“I think Neymar said it before the No10 was just a number and after it became something special – every top player wants to wear it for their team.

“What he did for football is there and always will be.”

Mikel Arteta said: “All I saw of him was through videos and people who knew him personally.

“He was someone who changed the dimension of world football – he could do a little bit of everything. He was probably the most complete player the game had ever seen. It’s a great loss. We’ve had two big losses in recent years with him and Maradona.’