On this day (September 7), former Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz was born in Billens, Switzerland.
Now 47, the centre-back became in Red in June 1999 following a £3.5million move from Blackburn Rovers (The Guardian).
Then manager Gerard Houllier took advantage of a relegation release clause in the Swiss ace’s contract in order to prize 92 Rovers appearance ace out of Ewood Park.
Henchoz joined fellow centre-half and another summer arrival Sami Hyypia at Anfield and quickly became one of the most revered partnerships in the country.
Twitter: Happy Birthday Stéphane Henchoz
He was signed by Liverpool in 1999 for £3.5m. That same summer Sami Hyypia moved… https://t.co/sxX6S2OIUI (@FootballRemind)
Capped on a remarkable 72 occasions by Switzerland, Henchoz amassed 501 club appearances throughout a distinguished career.
During a six-year spell on Merseyside, the defender made 205 outings for the Reds, winning the FA Cup, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and League Cup on two occasions.
Henchoz spent spells with Celtic and Wigan before retiring following a second stint at Blackburn Rovers.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Often a forgotten figure from what was a special era in the history of Liverpool Football Club, Henchoz was a superb servant to the Reds.
Perhaps somewhat in the shadow of the towering Fin next to him, the energetic Swiss ace was an underrated performer in Houllier’s side.
Happy Birthday.
