Liverpool FC
Superkloppbanana tours Liverpool to mark Jürgen’s final match
6 months ago
A dedicated Liverpool fan has crafted a Scouse homage to Jürgen Klopp as he prepares to bid farewell to the club after 9 years this weekend.
In honour of Klopp’s status as an ‘adopted scouser,’ artist and graphic designer Anita Harwood has conceived a unique creation dubbed the ‘Superkloppbanana’.
This whimsical tribute will embark on a mini tour across the city, serving as a symbol of gratitude for Klopp’s contributions to the club.
It aims to raise funds for Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation and the LFC Foundation.
A lifelong fan, Anita redesigned one of the miniature Superlambananas that were originally created to mark Liverpool being named as European Capital of Culture in 2008.
Tim Edwards who runs embroidery and merchandise business Fitwell, bought the sculpture in a charity auction and now, to mark Klopp’s time at LFC, Anita has given it a makeover.
They will take the new-look Superlambanana on a special trail on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May, encouraging donations along the way for the two charities, with the help of West Wallasey Van hire who have supplied a brand-new tipper van for the occasion.
The route will begin with a visit to the 10th annual Run For The 97 in Stanley Park on Saturday 18 May between 8am and 12pm. Runners and spectators are invited to take a selfie in return for a cash charity donation.
Run For The 97 is organised and delivered by independent race organisation BTR Liverpool.
The sculpture will then stop off at locations including The Liverpool Olympia and the Jurgen Klopp Mural on Randolph Street throughout the day, giving fans the chance to grab a selfie or two.
Anita, 50, said: “Throughout his time at Liverpool, Klopp has become a real adopted scouser and, as fans, it’ll be an emotional farewell to him this weekend.
“I wanted to create a lasting tribute to him and help fans and the people of Liverpool celebrate his time at the club, spreading a bit of joy across the city.
“The charities which we’ve chosen to support do incredible work throughout Liverpool and beyond, so we’re hoping that our Superkloppbanana will be able to raise funds and make an impact on how they help to enhance local people’s lives.”
Following its trail around the city this weekend, Anita and Tim are hoping the sculpture will be used by the LFC Foundation or The Jamie Carragher 23 Foundation as a special mascot in upcoming charitable events.
Mike Lepic, volunteer at Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation, said: “In our 15th year, we are extremely grateful to Fitwell for their continued support. They have been a supporter for over a decade and we’re looking forward to seeing the Superkloppbanana touring Liverpool as part of the farewell to Klopp!
The Superkloppbanana will be on display at the below locations/times:
Saturday 18 May
At Run For The 97 in Stanley Park: 8am-12pm
The Liverpool Olympia, West Derby Road: 1.30-2.30pm
The Jurgen Klopp Mural on Randolph Street: 3-4pm
(Followed by a route along the Dock Road, West Derby, Queens Drive and South Liverpool)
Sunday 19 May
The Liverpool Olympia, West Derby Road: 9-10pm
Near Anfield Stadium: 10.30-11.30am
(Followed by a route to South Liverpool)
Following this weekend’s activities, fans can still visit the sculpture at Fitwell on Smithdown Road from next week.