Hyypia wants regular role

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The veteran defender will join German club Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year deal when his current contract expires in the summer. And the Finland star has revealed he did not want boss Rafael Benitez to make promises he could not be sure of keeping over the amount of games he would be able to play next season.

Hyypia said: "The main reason is I still think I'm young enough to play football and I know chances to play here would be limited."

He added: "I spoke to the manager and I didn't want him to make promises about how many games I would play but this season has been mentally very difficult. I haven't played a lot and playing is what I enjoy most.

"I understand it isn't possible to play enough games here for me to be happy, so I had to look elsewhere.

"I got the option to go abroad to Bayer Leverkusen. The whole package was good, they have big plans for me and hopefully I can go there and help them to be successful."

Benitez offered Hyypia another year's contract and the chance to join the coaching staff, but the defender wants to concentrate on playing as long as he can.

He said: "Leaving is very difficult because from day one I have felt at home here. I have had good relationships with the club, with the staff and all the players who have been here over the last 10 years.

"It's difficult to leave but my reasons are all professional. I still want to play football.

"Ten years is a long time to spend at one club. My family are settled here and I know it will be stressful moving with them into a new house in a new country. But the professional side drove this decision. It's a new challenge and I will give it everything to be successful in Germany."