“To spend 16 years in the first team at Liverpool is testament to Jamie’s professionalism,” Werner told the Liverpool Echo. “He really is an extraordinary person and a man of remarkable integrity.
“His love for the club is such that he has always put Liverpool first. In moments of adversity he’s been there, lifting players around him. He gives everything and suffers for the team.
“It’s the character of the man which I’ve found so impressive. He shows that enormous heart off the field as well as on it. I saw that in Boston last year when he was with his son. He’s a real family man.
“He has shown his commitment to the Merseyside community and his generosity with the work of his Foundation and all the charity work he does.
“I was talking to Gerard Houllier at a football dinner a few months ago and what he said was absolutely spot on. He said that everyone knows all about Jamie’s work ethic and how fantastic that is.
“But Gerard said that in addition to his leadership qualities he felt that technically Jamie had been under-rated.
“He’s been a defender of great talent and has had an illustrious career. Very few players in sports have a career like Jamie.
“It’s extremely rare in any sport for someone to dedicate their whole career to one club, especially in an age where loyalty tends to be secondary to other considerations.
“He has been with the club since he was a young child and I will always be appreciative for what Jamie has done.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to get across for Sunday’s game, but I spoke with Jamie when I was in the UK a few weeks ago and thanked him on behalf of everyone for the immense contribution he has made to Liverpool Football Club.”
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