Liverpool Football Club and their manager Jurgen Klopp have paid tribute to Andrew Devine, the 97th victim of the Hillsborough disaster.
It was confirmed earlier today that Mr Devine, 55, had passed away 32 years on from the crush that led to the death of 96 football fans at Hillsborough Stadium in 1989.
He was seriously injured in the incident and subsequently spent the remainder of his life in a wheelchair with constant care required from medical professionals.
Jurgen Klopp spoke to Liverpool’s club website and issued the following statement.
“We found out that Andrew was in hospital last week and all of us hoped that he would make a recovery but it wasn’t to be.
“It is a very sad moment for everyone who has Liverpool in their hearts and for many others besides. We have lost an incredible person, someone who showed us all what it is to fight and who refused to give in even when the expectation was that he could fight no more.
“I did not know Andrew well but I met him when he visited Melwood when visits were still possible and all of us got to share some time with him. He had his carers with him and it was clear that they were brilliant people who did so much for him.
“We are all very sad about this news. We are sad for Andrew, we are sad for his wonderful family who cared for him for so long and we are sad for the entire Liverpool family because another life has been cut short by Hillsborough.
“All of them are in my thoughts and prayers. We will not forget Andrew. He made a big impact on all of us.”
The first team squad observed 97 seconds of silence before training this morning as tributes continue to pour in for Andrew Devine.
Featured image credit: Getty
