Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has had his say on the controversy surrounding one of his Germany players, with Felix Nmecha receiving backlash for his recent celebration

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he has spoken to Felix Nmecha about his controversial goal celebration, with the Germany star deciding to stop doing it after backlash from a supporters’ group.

Nmecha, who has been linked with Liverpool this season, has received criticism following his celebration after scoring both goals in Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 win over Elversberg last weekend.

The 26-year-old made a gesture signifying the “The King’s Return” campaign, which is linked to Ballers in God (BIG) - a network of Christian soccer players. Dortmund’s official supporters’ group went on to release a statement speaking out against the celebration, citing a recent investigation by German broadcaster ARD which said BIG advocates “extremely conservative positions against homosexuality and transgender identity” and paints abortion as “Satan’s plan”.

Nmecha has defended himself in a social media post this week, but former Liverpool boss Klopp has spoken to the midfielder as he gathered his Germany squad ahead of games against Serbia and the Netherlands in the coming days.

Confirming reports that he had discussed the celebration with Nmecha, Klopp told reporters: "Yes, that was a major topic of discussion. Perhaps we should briefly go back.

“I watched football last weekend and saw Felix score two wonderful goals. I also saw his goal celebration.

“First the celebration itself, and then the gesture, as we'll call it. And I honestly didn't think anything of it. Then all the discussions started. Perhaps that was down to my ignorance or whatever, but I didn't think anything of it initially.

“Then, as the debate gathered pace, I started looking into it and trying to inform myself. It was clear to me that I would, of course, want to speak to Felix as soon as we met, because I consider that the most important thing.

“I've known Felix Nmecha for a few months now, I would say. He's an exceptionally friendly, warm and open young man who, whenever he's around us, radiates nothing but positive energy. But then I said to him: ‘Right, this is the situation, and this is what's being discussed as a result of it. What are we going to do about it? People are asking me what I should say.’

“I then confronted him with everything that you would probably have confronted him with as well: what some people out there might think. To be clear, I'm not one of those people, but some people do think that way. And he said: ‘It has absolutely nothing to do with that.’ He loves all people and doesn't discriminate against anyone.

“For me, that settled the most important part of the matter. Then I asked him: ‘What about the goal celebration? How are we going to handle that? Your message, as you've explained it to me, is a very positive one. But out there, it's being interpreted in a particular way. So what do we do about that?’

He said: ‘Well, I won't do that anymore.’ And that's why he won't celebrate like that again. But let me reiterate: he wasn't trying to convey any message beyond his own personal one.

His message is that he lays the crown at Jesus' feet. That's all it means to him. There is no further message or hidden meaning behind it. And with that, I was satisfied.”

Nmecha will be aiming to start when Germany takes on Serbia on Friday. Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz will also be vying for a spot in Klopp’s lineup, having scored and assisted for Liverpool against Crystal Palace last weekend.