Liverpool FC 3, Tottenham 1: Sami Hyypia overcome with emotion

May 25 2009 by Ian Doyle, Daily Post

Team mates lift an emotional Sami Hyypia _300

RARELY in his 464 appearances for Liverpool has Sami Hyypia been guilty of letting down his guard.

But moments after the final whistle sounded on his Anfield career, the Finnish centre-back’s characteristic composure for once slipped as the tears welled in his eyes.

On an emotional afternoon, Hyypia was then surrounded by his team-mates, hoisted on to the shoulders of Pepe Reina and given yet another rapturous ovation from the home crowd.

While restricted to just a six-minute cameo, this was Hyypia’s day, the Kop urging “Sami, Sami, Sami, on, on, on” whenever the 35-year-old substitute warmed up on the touchline before his eventual arrival caused pandemonium.

Only a save from Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes during injury time prevented Hyypia from heading home Fabio Aurelio’s corner and providing a fitting epitaph to a magnificent decade of service.

Legend is a word bandied around too readily these days, but no-one can deny that Hyypia, who was also afforded a Kop mosaic before kick-off, deserves such status having accrued a wealth of honours, the pinnacle of which was the European Cup triumph in Istanbul four years ago.

But those home supporters present yesterday will hope they haven’t seen the last of another hero from that victory against AC Milan.

Xabi Alonso’s future has been the subject of continued speculation despite the midfielder enjoying his best-ever season for the club.

Benitez may insist the player is not for sale, but the manager tellingly stopped short of stating he expects Alonso to be at the club after the summer with Real Madrid waiting eagerly in the wings. Political posturing or trademark coyness? Only time will tell.