Hyypia wants regular role

Tue, 05 May 13:16:08 2009

Sami Hyypia has revealed a desire for regular first-team football was behind his decision to leave Liverpool after 10 years - but he has not ruled out a return to Anfield in a coaching capacity.

The veteran defender will join German club Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year deal when his current contract expires in the summer. And the Finland star has revealed he did not want boss Rafael Benitez to make promises he could not be sure of keeping over the amount of games he would be able to play next season.

Hyypia said: "The main reason is I still think I'm young enough to play football and I know chances to play here would be limited."

He added: "I spoke to the manager and I didn't want him to make promises about how many games I would play but this season has been mentally very difficult. I haven't played a lot and playing is what I enjoy most.

"I understand it isn't possible to play enough games here for me to be happy, so I had to look elsewhere.

"I got the option to go abroad to Bayer Leverkusen. The whole package was good, they have big plans for me and hopefully I can go there and help them to be successful."

Benitez offered Hyypia another year's contract and the chance to join the coaching staff, but the defender wants to concentrate on playing as long as he can.

He said: "Leaving is very difficult because from day one I have felt at home here. I have had good relationships with the club, with the staff and all the players who have been here over the last 10 years.

"It's difficult to leave but my reasons are all professional. I still want to play football.

"Ten years is a long time to spend at one club. My family are settled here and I know it will be stressful moving with them into a new house in a new country. But the professional side drove this decision. It's a new challenge and I will give it everything to be successful in Germany."

 

Comment 1 - 17 of 17

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  1. Sammy has been the best centre back in the premier­ league for the past 10 years. He's was one of­ Liverpool's best captains ever, probably better­ than Gerrard. Liverpool's loss is Leverkusen's­ gain.

    From Stephen, on Thu 21 May 9:39AM

  2. well done sammi i wish you the best thanks for changing­ us for 10 years

    From washingtonpeterkin, on Fri 8 May 6:10PM

  3. this guy was prob the best centre half in the premier­ league for 5 years running.Good luck sami in germany we­ will never forget what you have done for the club

    From kyle, on Thu 7 May 2:15PM

  4. Legend.

    Absolute legend.

    Sammy's brought­ respectability to Liverpool over his career.

    In fact,­ I thought Liverpool would have performed better against­ Chelsea (Champions League 2nd leg) if Sammy were to be­ involved.

    WELL DONE SAMMY HYYPIA - YOU ARE A LEGEND­ NOT ONLY IN FINLAND BUT LIVERPOOL...

    From Toh Yong, on Thu 7 May 1:45PM

  5. Class Player, who is a legend at Liverpool,
    Thanks Sami­ for your contribution to LFC over the 10 years
    Please­ come back where you belong and pass on the full extent­ of your knowledge and reading of the game to the future­ players.
    Hope it all go's well in Germany. but come­ home soon.
    Thanks

    From colinwells45, on Thu 7 May 11:48AM

  6. sami a pool legend we'll win the league title

    From hashim, on Wed 6 May 10:20PM

  7. Byebye Sami, wish you best of luck...

    I'll never­ forget that 20th February 2003 when you score against­ Auxerre in France (16th Final of UEFA). Thanks for all­ you've achieved for "our" team.

    YNWA Big­ Sami !

    From Mervin A, on Wed 6 May 1:01PM

  8. Sami,wish u all the best ...u r my hero..

    From nakatalim, on Wed 6 May 1:11AM
  9. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Bye bye you half wit, leaving Liverfool is a step in­ the right direction.

    From Gary S, on Tue 5 May 11:22PM

  10. good luck sami for the future we are sure to see you­ back at liverpool as a coach or something. you were a­ excellent player who visibly put a a lot of effort into­ each and every moment on the pitch. the best of luck­ from a boro fan.

    From smiley123, on Tue 5 May 10:12PM
  11. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    liverpool scum the more gone the better

    From reddevils_4life99, on Tue 5 May 6:44PM

  12. Best wishes go with ya Sami, and when u get ur badges.­ we'll c ya back at Anfield.

    From stubateman13, on Tue 5 May 4:02PM

  13. Im Sure benitez will stick him on for at least the last­ 10mins against spurs, for old times sake n to give him­ a great send-off from Anfield! Good Luck Sammy, a true­ Pool legend!

    From Collie, on Tue 5 May 3:31PM

  14. Oh Sami Sami, Sami Sami Sami Hyypia. You will always­ be remembered with great respect by the fans, it was a­ pleasure watching you. Good luck and you always have a­ place at Anfield. YNWA

    From temjulie, on Tue 5 May 3:28PM

  15. all the best to u

    From tan s, on Tue 5 May 3:01PM

  16. Theres only 1 Sammy Hypia, a liverpool legend. Good­ Luck and hope to see tou back sumday

    From stephentully, on Tue 5 May 1:38PM

  17. sammy your a great player,max respect.if the 4-1 win­ over scum utd is last game in a lfc shirt,then what a­ game finish your 10 years.good luck

    From martin, on Tue 5 May 1:26PM
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