Hyypia extends Leverkusen contract until 2012

Despite suffering a 6-3 defeat at home to Moenchengladbach on Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen announced they have extended the contract of ex-Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia until 2012.

The 36-year-old Finland centre-back played 33 German league games in his first season as Bayer dominated the Bundesliga early on, but eventually finished fourth in the table.

“We are pleased to have such a friendly and professional player in our squad,” said Leverkusen’s general director Wolfgang Holzhaeuser.

Hyypia, the captain of the Finland national side, will have the option of joining the Leverkusen coaching staff once he retires.

But there was little reason to celebrate for Hyppia on Sunday as Leverkusen’s defence was ripped to pieces in the home defeat.