Exclusive: Hyypia recalls LFC decade
He shed tears upon bidding farewell to Liverpool five years ago and now the revered Sami Hyypia has explained how the memory of leaving the club still renders him emotional, in an exclusive and fascinating interview with LFCTV HD.
One of the great bargain transfers in Reds' history, the modest, committed Finn arrived at Anfield in 1999 and became a fans' favourite through his tremendously consistent performances at the centre of defence.
A towering aerial presence yet also a cool user of possession and elegant reader of the game, Hyypia clocked up 464 appearances and chipped in with an impressive total of 35 goals during his decade on Merseyside.
His medal collection was well stocked too. Having already helped Liverpool scoop a dramatic treble of FA Cup, UEFA Cup and League Cup in 2000-01, the defender was a pivotal figure on the road to Istanbul and Champions League glory in 2005.
Another FA Cup and another League Cup triumph were secured for good measure before it was time for Hyypia to depart for pastures new - visibly moved by the occasion in May 2009, he was sent on his way with a special mosaic on the Kop.
Now back in England as manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, the 41-year-old recently welcomed LFCTV HD for an extensive interview in which he reflects on his remarkable relationship with Kopites, the highs and lows of life at Liverpool and much more.
The chat is available to watch on the recently relaunched official television channel and can also be viewed by LFCTV GO subscribers by clicking play on the embedded video below. Not yet signed up? Click here to join now.