Reds hail departing Hyypia

Defender praised ahead of Liverpool exit

Last updated: 23rd May 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Reds hail departing Hyypia

Hyypia: Emotional exit

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Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Sammy Lee have all paid tribute to Sami Hyypia ahead of his Liverpool exit.

The 35-year-old Finn has been at Anfield for the past decade but he will leave the club after Sunday's final game of the season at home to Tottenham.

He has agreed to join Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year deal and midfielder Gerrard admits it be an emotional farewell.

"It is difficult to put into words how we feel about Sami. He has been fantastic for us, a colossus," said the Reds skipper.

"He certainly deserves legendary status and he is definitely one of the best players I have ever played alongside. That is the biggest compliments I can pay Sami."

Respect

Dutch striker Kuyt will also be sorry to see Hyypia go, adding: "For me he is a top professional, one of the best I have ever met.

"Most importantly for me, Sami is also a good human being and has a good personality. I will miss him but I'm sure he will be in touch with us and Liverpool.

"It is a great achievement to play 10 years at a special club like Liverpool, especially for a foreign player, and I have a lot of respect for him.

"It's a shame he is leaving the club but things happen like this in football."

Assistant manager Lee also has the utmost respect for Hyypia's attitude and has tipped him to go into coaching once his playing days are over.

Cool exterior

"Sami is a terrific professional, a fine player," said Lee. "Under that cool exterior there is a really emotional guy and he will certainly feel that on Sunday.

"We will too having worked with him for so long.

"It will be a difficult day for him, but he knows he goes with our best wishes.

"He can be a coach in the future, he knows the game, he studies the game and he has all the characteristics to be a good coach.

"These days you do not get players staying very long at one club, but it is a testimony to him that he has been able to evolve as a player and last 10 years at this club."