Hyypia announces retirement

Bayer Leverkusen defender Sami Hyypia has announced he will retire from playing at the end of the Bundesliga season.

The 37-year-old former Liverpool centre-back won numerous trophies during his time at Anfield, including the 2005 UEFA Champions League.

Hyypia also represented Finland 105 times and said retirement has been on his mind throughout the season.

“The decision to retire gradually grew during the season,” Hyypia told Finnish TV station MTV3.

“I had no interest any more to go elsewhere to play. There are no regrets.”

Hyypia’s time at Liverpool, beginning in 1999 when he joined from Dutch side Willem II, included two FA Cup trophies, two League Cups, two Community Shields, two UEFA Super Cups and a UEFA Cup to go with the Champions League crown.

He will move into a coaching role with Leverkusen next season, while also being involved with the national team.

“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,” Hyypia said.

“I must get a coaching licence 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 percent or nothing.”

Leverkusen, five points ahead of third-placed Bayern Munich, are aiming to hold on to second spot with Borussia Dortmund already champions with two games to go.