Former Germany international says he would have loved to have stayed at Newcastle for longer

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Former Newcastle United midfielder Dietmar Hamann has now opened up about his 1999 transfer to Liverpool.

Dietmar Hamann is best known for his time with Liverpool, helping the Reds win the Champions League in 2005. He also won two FA Cups, two League Cups and a UEFA Cup during his time at Anfield.

The former Germany international enjoyed a stellar career in English football, but it was Newcastle United who first brought him to these shores.

Kenny Dalglish signed Hamann for Newcastle United in 1998. He cost £5.5million from Bayern Munich, where he also enjoyed a trophy-laden spell.

But Hamann did not lift any silverware on Tyneside, and would actually only spend one year at St James’ Park.

After one season in black and white, Hamann had the opportunity to sign for Liverpool. He took it, joining Gerard Houllier’s side for £8million in 1999.

Hamann admits he could not turn down Liverpool despite Newcastle United love

Hamann has now spoke about leaving Newcastle for Liverpool on That Peter Crouch Podcast, and admitted that he wishes he could have played for the Magpies for longer.

“It was great [at Newcastle],” he said.

“Bit short, I would have liked to stay a bit longer. I signed for a longer time but when Liverpool came calling it was hard to turn it down.

“It’s never a nice thing to leave clubs and tell the club and the fans that you are off after one season, but I liked it because the people loved the football up there, great sense of humour. It was brilliant. I really enjoyed it but when I had the chance to go to Liverpool I saw it as an opportunity I had to take.”

Hamann made the right choice to leave Newcastle

While Hamann may wish he could have played for Newcastle United for longer, he certainly will not regret his decision to leave. All he needs to do is look at all of the trophies he won as a Liverpool player!

However, he nearly did enjoy success in black and white. Hamann was part of the Toon team that reached the 1999 FA Cup final. Sadly, we were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United, who famously won the treble that season. Hamann started the game for the Magpies, but was booked in the opening stages and then suffered a dead leg.

He was unable to continue in the second half, leading to an altercation with then Newcastle manager Ruud Gullit, who questioned Hamann’s commitment.

Less than two months later, Hamann left Newcastle to sign for Liverpool.