Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Sami Hyypia as the Finn moves onto Bayer Leverkusen.

Dalglish wrote in liverpoolfc.tv: "Sami has been an absolutely magnificent servant to this football club. He came in and showed his worth immediately. He was made captain of the club and even when the decision was taken to make a change and give the armband to Steven Gerrard, the dignity he showed was brilliant and reflected tremendously well on him as a person.

"To spend 10 years at the same club is a remarkable achievement, and even more so when that club is Liverpool and the demands to succeed year after year are exceptionally high.

"But Sami's performance levels have always been very, very high. When he first arrived people commented that he wasn't quick - but over the years he hasn't lost any of that pace because he didn't have too much to start with! He reads the game so well and has made a massive contribution - at both ends of the pitch - to Liverpool Football Club.

"I'm sure it was a hard decision to reach but sometimes even the best things have to finish. He made a lot of friends during his 10 years at Anfield and I am sure he will leave with the very best wishes of everybody connected with the club."