They do say the masters of their craft are only ever properly recognised once they’re gone.
Yossi Benayoun has announced his retirement from football – and fans have paid homage to the little midfielder after he called it a day.
The 38-year-old former West Ham, Arsenal and QPR star revealed his decision on social media on Thursday.
He scored a hat-trick in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup – one of just three players to ever achieve this feat.
All his goals came while wearing a Liverpool shirt, so it’s no surprise Reds fans have been posting their memories of him on social media.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“Class player, some magic moments @lfc scoring some memorable goals and important goals,” said one.
Another was in no doubt, saying: “Without question one of the most under-rated players in the Premier League era…. loved watching him at Anfield.”
One fan agrees, posting: “Best wishes to Yossi Benayoun on his retirement. He was criminally underrated during his time at Liverpool.”
The Israel international finished his career at Beitar Jerusalem but was well-liked wherever he played.
“It’s important for me to thank the fans, the ones who gave me love wherever I went,” Benayoun, who scored 24 times for Israel, he said on Instagram.
“I am sure that the next chapter will be challenging and no less exciting.
“There are moments [from my football career] I’ll take with me for life.”
(Image: Michael Steele)
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
It’s not only been Liverpool fans paying tribute on twitter.
He was also popular at Chelsea – especially in 2013 – and one of their fans wrote: “Happy retirement Yossi you should have played more!”
Another tweet noted: “He’s the only Chelsea player to have been two different squad numbers for the Blues in the same Premier League campaign.”
