Sami Hyypia today spoke exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv about the reasons behind his decision to bring a glittering ten-year Anfield career to an end.
First of all Sami, there are many fans all over the world saddened at the news that you're leaving Liverpool. Why have you decided to move to Bayer Leverkusen?
The main reason is I still think I'm young enough to play football and I know chances to play here would be limited. 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.
Even taking into account your reasons for leaving, was it still a difficult decision to make?
It was 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 ten 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.
What did the manager say in your discussions with him?
He wished me good luck. We had a number of discussions and the possibility of a coaching role was mentioned, but I don't feel ready for that yet. I feel I still have a few more years in my legs to play football.
You've been here for a decade and so will leave with a lot of great memories from your time at the club...
Yes, we have had a lot of ups and downs during my time here but I have so many great memories and Liverpool will be my English club for ever.
What has been the highlight from your time at the club?
Obviously the Champions League victory was amazing. To be 3-0 down and still go on and win is something we'll never forget. On a more personal level my first game at Sheffield Wednesday, my first match at Anfield and my first goal for Liverpool are moments I will never forget.
How much will you miss the Liverpool fans, with whom you've had a great relationship over the years?
Obviously I'll miss them a lot and I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to them all. They still sing my name when I'm warming up or playing and that's always good to hear. It's sad to be leaving, but I'll be back one day to watch some games and maybe see them all again.
How much are you hoping for a chance to say goodbye to them on the last day of the season against Tottenham?
That's a decision for the manager to make. Even if I'm not involved in the game I will find a way to get onto the pitch at the end. If the Stadium Manager tries to stop me I'll run past him [laughs]. I am sure I will have an opportunity to say goodbye.
You mentioned you don't yet feel ready to be a coach - but is that a dream for the future and could we see you back at Liverpool in that capacity one day?
Yes, hopefully. Coaching is something which has always been in my mind, but I have to take my badges first. At the end of my playing career I will look to take the badges and then see. I would like to come back here one day as a coach.
This club will always be in your heart, won't it?
Yes, always.
First of all Sami, there are many fans all over the world saddened at the news that you're leaving Liverpool. Why have you decided to move to Bayer Leverkusen?
The main reason is I still think I'm young enough to play football and I know chances to play here would be limited. 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.
Even taking into account your reasons for leaving, was it still a difficult decision to make?
It was 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 ten 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.
What did the manager say in your discussions with him?
He wished me good luck. We had a number of discussions and the possibility of a coaching role was mentioned, but I don't feel ready for that yet. I feel I still have a few more years in my legs to play football.
You've been here for a decade and so will leave with a lot of great memories from your time at the club...
Yes, we have had a lot of ups and downs during my time here but I have so many great memories and Liverpool will be my English club for ever.
What has been the highlight from your time at the club?
Obviously the Champions League victory was amazing. To be 3-0 down and still go on and win is something we'll never forget. On a more personal level my first game at Sheffield Wednesday, my first match at Anfield and my first goal for Liverpool are moments I will never forget.
How much will you miss the Liverpool fans, with whom you've had a great relationship over the years?
Obviously I'll miss them a lot and I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to them all. They still sing my name when I'm warming up or playing and that's always good to hear. It's sad to be leaving, but I'll be back one day to watch some games and maybe see them all again.
How much are you hoping for a chance to say goodbye to them on the last day of the season against Tottenham?
That's a decision for the manager to make. Even if I'm not involved in the game I will find a way to get onto the pitch at the end. If the Stadium Manager tries to stop me I'll run past him [laughs]. I am sure I will have an opportunity to say goodbye.
You mentioned you don't yet feel ready to be a coach - but is that a dream for the future and could we see you back at Liverpool in that capacity one day?
Yes, hopefully. Coaching is something which has always been in my mind, but I have to take my badges first. At the end of my playing career I will look to take the badges and then see. I would like to come back here one day as a coach.
This club will always be in your heart, won't it?
Yes, always.
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