As Anfield prepares to say goodbye to central defender Sami Hyypia after ten years of service, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says the club is losing a legend.
Hyypia was signed by former manager Gerard Houllier for £2.6 million from Willem II in 1999. Since then he has been a commanding presence in the Reds midfield, forming formidable central defensive partnerships with the likes of Stephane Henchoz and Jamie Carragher.
At the end of the current campaign the big Finn will hang up his boots at Anfield and head to Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen, where he has signed a two year contract.
This Sunday, Liverpool vs Tottenham, will be Hyypia’s last game for the club and Benitez is sad to see him leave.
“Yes, I think Liverpool are losing a legend,” said the Benitez. “For years he has been so good. He has scored important goals and has been very, very good in defence. Clearly we are losing an important player.
“He will get a fantastic reception from the fans. They are amazing and they recognise when someone has been a very good servant to the club. He is a fantastic professional and a very good person, and the fans know this.
“It’s good as a manager that, when you have a player with his name and experience, he still wants to learn. I have been really pleased working with him.”
Earlier today, This Is Anfield columnist Paul Jones paid tribute to Hyypia. Read the article here.
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