Didi Hamann - You'll Never Walk Alone!

If Didi decides to join Bolton, I'll be sorry to see him go. He's been a great servant to LFC for all his years here and don't think any of us will ever forget the difference he made since coming on in Istanbul.

Can't get any worse for him though can it? He gets shat on by Jurgen for the WC and then to compound his misery he is going to be sold to Bolton...

Ahh well let's just see Didi's amazing stats one final time...

Profile
Hamann's previous clubs include Bayern Munich and Newcastle United.

Hamann was the first Liverpool player since Roger Hunt (1966) to play in a World Cup Final, through his appearance in the 2002 Final against Brazil. He has fifty-one caps and has scored four goals for the national team and was part of the German squad at the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000, the 2002 World Cup, and Euro 2004.

His influence on the Liverpool team was evident when he came on as a substitute in the second half of the 2005 Champions League Final in Istanbul in which Liverpool had a disastrous start, trailling 3-0 at half-time to an AC Milan side. Hamann's introduction changed everything as Liverpool started their amazing comeback. He was responsible for neutralizing Kaká who was creating lots of problems for Liverpool during the first half. Hamann's solidness in midfield gave his Liverpool teammate, Steven Gerrard, the freedom to go forward and attack. The combination was devastating for Milan as Liverpool came to level terms in a space of just seven minutes.

In June 2005, Hamann agreed to a new one-year contract with Liverpool F.C., with the option of another year. He had previously expressed his desire to stay with the club and manager, Rafael Benítez expressed his delight at the new deal calling Didi a "very important player" for the club. The option, which required Hamann to play a certain number of games, has been met, and Hamann will remain at Liverpool for at least one more year (with his contract running out in the summer of 2007).

Hamann won the English FA Cup with Liverpool in May 2006, coming on as a substitute in the second-half when Liverpool were 2-3 down to West Ham United. Once again his introduction was crucial, a steadying influence when he was most needed. His solid display in the centre of midfield provided the basis for Liverpool's comeback to 3-3. Liverpool would go on to win the Cup on penalties after a goalless extratime in which Hamann scored the first penalty.

As a result of not making Jurgen Klinsmann's German squad for the 2006 World Cup, Hamann announced his retirement from international football in May 2006. [2]

In June 2006, Didi Hamann was given permission to talk to Bolton about a potential transfer to the North West club. Hamann admitted that he would be saddened to leave Liverpool but would make "the best decision for my future".

Trivia
Hamann played half the game of the miraculous 2005 UEFA Champions League finals win (after penalties) with a broken toe. However, this did not stop him from taking and scoring the vital first penalty with that broken toe, with Milan having already missed one penalty.

Hamann was the last player to score at the old Wembley stadium, when Germany beat England 1:0 in 2000 in the World Cup Qualifiers for Japan/Korea 2002.

Hamann holds the record for the number of completed passes in the English Premiership.

Career Honours

Bayern Munich

Winner
1993–94 German Bundesliga
1995–96 UEFA Cup
1996–97 German Bundesliga
1997–98 Liga-Pokal
1997–98 German Cup

Runner Up
1994–95 German Super Cup
1995–96 German Bundesliga
1997–98 German Bundesliga

Newcastle United

Runner Up
1998–99 FA Cup

Liverpool

Winner
2000–01 League Cup
2000–01 FA Cup
2000–01 UEFA Cup
2001–02 Charity Shield
2001–02 European Super Cup
2002–03 League Cup
2004–05 UEFA Champions League
2005–06 European Super Cup
2005–06 FA Cup

Runner Up
2001–02 FA Premier League (Level 1)
2002–03 Charity Shield
2004–05 League Cup
2005 FIFA Club World Championship

Germany

Runner Up
2002 FIFA World Cup


Fantastic player totally unappreciated and as important for us as Keane or Viera were for their respected clubs at times.

A final 'All hail the Kaiser'.

A word on Cisse's injury.

Couldn't have been at a worse time and a source inside Anfield says Rafa was furious why the deal with Marsielle not done earlier and why did they decide to wait till the end of the WC. I know its buggered us in the transfer market as we could've got £8m for him but I'm a bit worried by some of the reaction I've seen from fellow Liverpool supporters. I know at times Cisse did come accross as a lazy twat who couldn't be arsed but he was on the bench most of the season and was played out of position when he wasn't. If you're not wanted somewhere, you lose a little bit of the incentive to give your 100%.

I'm sure he'd have been hugely disappointed with having to leave a club he claims to love so much and not having performed to the standard that was expected of him. His injury is in no way his fault. Its just terribly unlucky and I wish he gets back on his feet soon.

He did get good goals for us and now that he's down and out we can't turn our backs on him. We are Liverpool. Both players and managers have sacrificed so much for this club and what makes our fans special is the support they give their players/managers when they're down and out. Just as they did at halftime in Istanbul. Just as they did when GH had the heart attack.

And just as they did when Cisse made his return after breaking his other leg in 2004.

Photos & vids of the incident:

Cisse breaking his left leg. 07-06-2006 News Story :: WATCH
Cisse breaking his right leg. 30-10-2004 News story
Cisse the clown - this picture never fails to make me piss myself laughing.