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Liverpool's Xabi Alonso Hails Sami Hyypia
The Spaniard feels the Finnish international has been a perfect example to the rest of the squad...
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has heaped praise upon outgoing Reds defender Sami Hyypia, claiming he will do well in Germany.
The Finnish central defender is set to join Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, bringing a ten year stay at Anfield to an end.
Alonso has said the departure of the 35-year-old will be sad, but admits he understands Hyypia's reasons for leaving the club.
Speaking to Liverpool's official magazine, Alonso said, "I understand why Sami is leaving.
"Sami has got a competitive mind. He wants to be involved and be part of the first XI wherever he is. He will probably have more chance of playing regularly at Bayer Leverkusen.
"Saying that, I could have seen him remaining with us. But it is his decision and we have to respect it.
"As long as he is happy with his decision I am happy for him."
Alonso revealed that the pair are great friends off the pitch, often sharing a room during the club's away trips, and knows just why the central defender is so well respected.
"I was Sami's room-mate for my first four years at Liverpool," said the Spaniard.
"He has been a good performer on the pitch and also off it. His attitude is always to be totally respectful and honest with everyone. I like this way.
"He has been a great player, a great person and a great servant to the club.
"Sami has been the perfect example and also a fantastic Liverpool player. Because of that, all the players here have a great affection for him. His attitude and honesty have always stood out.
"He is always in a good mood around the place. Sami is the model professional and will be remembered for years by the fans, players and staff alike."
The former Real Sociedad midfielder also tipped Hyypia to be a success in Germany.
"Whenever he has played this season he has done very well,” Alonso said.
"Whenever he was needed he was there. His level of performance has always been very good. That is what you can expect from a model professional, as Sami is.
"I can see him playing very well in Germany. I'm sure he will do very well there. We will have to keep an eye on Bayern Leverkusen's results next season."
The Finland international has played a total of 317 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals.
Nick Turner, Goal.com
The Finnish central defender is set to join Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, bringing a ten year stay at Anfield to an end.
Alonso has said the departure of the 35-year-old will be sad, but admits he understands Hyypia's reasons for leaving the club.
Speaking to Liverpool's official magazine, Alonso said, "I understand why Sami is leaving.
"Sami has got a competitive mind. He wants to be involved and be part of the first XI wherever he is. He will probably have more chance of playing regularly at Bayer Leverkusen.
"Saying that, I could have seen him remaining with us. But it is his decision and we have to respect it.
"As long as he is happy with his decision I am happy for him."
Alonso revealed that the pair are great friends off the pitch, often sharing a room during the club's away trips, and knows just why the central defender is so well respected.
"I was Sami's room-mate for my first four years at Liverpool," said the Spaniard.
"He has been a good performer on the pitch and also off it. His attitude is always to be totally respectful and honest with everyone. I like this way.
"He has been a great player, a great person and a great servant to the club.
"Sami has been the perfect example and also a fantastic Liverpool player. Because of that, all the players here have a great affection for him. His attitude and honesty have always stood out.
"He is always in a good mood around the place. Sami is the model professional and will be remembered for years by the fans, players and staff alike."
The former Real Sociedad midfielder also tipped Hyypia to be a success in Germany.
"Whenever he has played this season he has done very well,” Alonso said.
"Whenever he was needed he was there. His level of performance has always been very good. That is what you can expect from a model professional, as Sami is.
"I can see him playing very well in Germany. I'm sure he will do very well there. We will have to keep an eye on Bayern Leverkusen's results next season."
The Finland international has played a total of 317 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals.
Nick Turner, Goal.com
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