Sami Hyypia retires

The Finland centre-back will take up a coaching role with the German club Bayer Leverkusen - where he has spent the last two years of his career - next season and it is also planned for him to be involved in his national team's set-up.

"The decision to retire gradually grew during the season," Hyypia was reported as saying by Finnish TV station MTV3.

"I had no interest any more to go elsewhere to play.

"There are no regrets. Thanks to all those who have helped during the course of my career and to my relatives a big thank you, without family and friends it would not have been possible."

Speaking about his move into coaching Hyypia added: "It will be an interesting year.

"I must get a coaching license and then I get the experience of Leverkusen and the national team coaching.

"I'm really happy about this. All who know me know I put myself fully into it. It is 100 per cent or nothing."

During a glittering 10-year career at Anfield Hyypia, a £2.5 million signing from Dutch side Willem II in 1999, won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, two FA Cups, two League Cups and two European Super Cups.