Liverpool captaincy brought best out of Gerrard, says Hyypia

Michael Graham

Former team-mate Sami Hyypia says the Liverpool captaincy brought the best out of club legend Steven Gerrard.

Speaking to the official club website, Hyypia recounted the day he handed the armband over to Gerrard, and admitted he thought it took the midfielder’s game to a whole new level.

“There are so many memories. He scored very important goals for us, but for me the most special memory was when the captaincy went to Stevie,” said Hyypia.

“I will remember that morning for the rest of my life, the way it went.

“I think when he got that armband, mentally he stepped onto another stage and made a huge leap forward. That made him who he is today.

“I think I said to him he deserves it. I didn’t have any bad feelings about passing the armband on.

“It happens sometimes and it’s not too bad to give it to a player like Gerrard.”