Reds hail departing Hyypia

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard led the tributes to defender Sami Hyypia, who will leave the club after tomorrow’s final game of the season at home to Tottenham.

Hyypia, 35, will join Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year contract in the summer, ending a decade at Anfield.

Gerrard said: “It is difficult to put into words how we feel about Sami. He has been fantastic for us, a colossus.

“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.”

Striker Dirk Kuyt joined in the tributes, saying: “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.”