Sami Hyypia made an emotional return to Anfield on Saturday and was quick to express his delight at old pal Steven Gerrard signing a new deal with the club.

The Finnish legend was given a standing ovation during his appearance at half-time against Stoke after being a guest of Carlsberg for the day.

Asked on the pitch if he had a message for the Kop, Hyypia replied: "You'll Never Walk Alone."

It was something of a mini-Istanbul reunion at Anfield as Dietmar Hamann was working for LFC TV on our coverage of the Stoke game, and the pair met up with Gerrard and Carragher post-match.

"It's been good at Liverpool since Kenny came back," said Hyypia.

"I've seen a few of the games, they have had too many draws at home, but it is a work in progress. Kenny has signed a lot of British players, which is not a bad thing.

"Stevie was out at the start of the season but he's back now. He's so important to this team and I was delighted to see him sign his new contract.

"It's great news for the club."

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Hyypia also revealed how he has stayed in football after calling time on his playing career last season.

He added: "I still live in Germany, I finished playing last season and am doing my badges at moment.

"Bayer Leverkusen still want to keep me at the club and I've got two-and-a-half years of my contract left. I will be on their coaching staff starting next summer and we'll see where we go from there."