The tributes have been pouring in for Liverpool Football Club’s Sami Hyypia.

The Finland defender plays his last game for the Reds when they take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, before heading to Germany where he has agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen.

"It is difficult to put into words how we feel about Sami. He has been fantastic for us, a colossus," said Anfield captain and midfielder Steven Gerrard.

"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."

Hyypia, 35, has made over 300 Premier League appearances since joining the Reds in 1999, in a shrewd £2.6million signing by former manager Gerard Houllier who signed him from Willem II.

"For me he is a top professional, one of the best I have ever met,” said team-mate Dirk Kuyt. "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. It is a great achievement to play 10 years at a special club like Liverpool. It's a shame he is leaving the club.”

A UEFA Champions League, a Uefa Cup, two FA Cup’s, two Super Cup’s and two League Cup’s is certainly something to be proud of when Hyypia looks back on his spell in England.

"Sami is a terrific professional, a fine player," said assistant manager Sammy Lee. "He can be a coach, he studies the game and he has all the characteristics to be a good coach.

"These days you do not get players staying very long at one club, but it is a testimony to him that he has been able to evolve as a player and last 10 years at this club."

FREE
£25 BET ON LIVERPOOL WITH BETFAIR!