Having won two Bundesliga titles, the German Cup and UEFA Cup in his nine years with Bayern Munich, Hamann signed for Newcastle United at the beginning of the 1998/99 season.

But after one season in the north east he felt it was time to move on and was quick to pledge his future to Liverpool.

Despite a disappointing season for Newcastle United followers, Hamann's performances won many admirers.

He can score goals from midfield and is a fine distributor who is hard in the tackle. With the departure of Paul Ince, Houllier needed a player that could do all these things.

Season 1999/2000 got off to a bad start when he sustained ankle ligament damage on the opening day at Sheffield Wednesday and he missed the first two months of the season. However, he came back strongly to play a part in Liverpool's failed Champions League challenge.

During the 2000/01 season Hamman was back to his best both domestically and in Europe as Liverpool reached three cup finals. He always seems to rise for the big occasion and likes to get under the skin of his opponents.

The international midfielder made history in October 2000 when he scored the last ever goal at Wembley as Germany beat England 1-0 in a World Cup qualifying match.

Was then a vital member of the Germany side that finished runners-up, behind Brazil, in Korea and Japan.