SAMI Hyypia has revealed a desire for regular first-team football was behind his decision to leave Liverpool after 10 years – but he has not ruled out a return to Anfield in a coaching capacity.

The veteran defender will join German club Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year deal when his current contract expires in the summer.

And he 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.

The 35-year-old faces stiff competition from Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel and has not played for Liverpool since the 4-1 win at Manchester United in March.

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.

‘‘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.’’