Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has paid tribute to Sami Hyypiä, who will play his final game for the Reds on Sunday after a decade with the club.
The 35-year-old Finnish defender will join Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year contract in the summer.
"I understand the reasons behind Sami's decision to go because he's got a two-year deal, so good luck to him," Gerrard said.
"But for selfish reasons I wish he would stay for another season here because he's such a fantastic player and great to have around the place.
"He's been here for the whole time I've been in the first team and has been a great influence and magnificent servant - an absolute legend."
Gerrard took the armband from Hyypiä but says the pair have always got on famously.
He recalled: "I took over from him as captain in 2003 and there was some controversy at the time, but not from Sami, who was incredibly supportive of me from the very start.
"That is a measure of the man. He should be regarded as a one of the greats of this club and I don't say that lightly.
"He has certainly helped transform Liverpool and got us back to where we should be."
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The 35-year-old Finnish defender will join Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year contract in the summer.
"I understand the reasons behind Sami's decision to go because he's got a two-year deal, so good luck to him," Gerrard said.
"But for selfish reasons I wish he would stay for another season here because he's such a fantastic player and great to have around the place.
"He's been here for the whole time I've been in the first team and has been a great influence and magnificent servant - an absolute legend."
Gerrard took the armband from Hyypiä but says the pair have always got on famously.
He recalled: "I took over from him as captain in 2003 and there was some controversy at the time, but not from Sami, who was incredibly supportive of me from the very start.
"That is a measure of the man. He should be regarded as a one of the greats of this club and I don't say that lightly.
"He has certainly helped transform Liverpool and got us back to where we should be."
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