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Former Liverpool and Newcastle United midfielder Didi Hamann.

In total, 15 players have enjoyed stints at Anfield and St James' Park in the Premier League era, although some individuals are held in higher regard at the two clubs than others.

In more recent times, the likes of Gini Wijnaldum, Jonjo Shelvey, Jose Enrique and James Milner are examples of players who are respected by both fanbases and - as a result - they may not be overly fussed by the outcome of the Wembley showpiece.



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However, the same can't be said for former Germany international Didi Hamann now more than 25 years after a move away from St James' Park.

After breaking through at boyhood club Bayern Munich during the mid-1990s, Hamann was signed by then Newcastle manager (and Liverpool great) Sir Kenny Dalglish after the 1998 World Cup in France for just over £5million.

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In his debut season at St James' Park, the Germany international played 30-odd times for the Magpies and featured in the 1999 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United as the club tried for a first major trophy since 1955.

However, after Dalglish left his post at St James' Park earlier in the season and Newcastle slumped to a 13th-place finish in the Premier League, Hamann decided to join Liverpool after just one season in the North East.

His decision to leave the Magpies was one that left supporters furious.

It also ensured the North East chapter of his impressive career has always remained a touchy subject.

But when speaking to Chronicle Live in February 2023, the 51-year-old argued that Dalglish's successor, Ruud Gullit, failed to find a place for him in the team on his return from injury and, therefore, sanctioned his departure after just a couple of weeks on Tyneside.

"I got injured in one of my first games for the club against Liverpool under Ruud, his first match," said Hamann.

Then I started scoring a few goals during the spring and had a good end to the season."

In the end, Hamann left Newcastle at the end of the 1998/1999 season, and quickly became a fan favourite after his £8million move to Anfield as he was part of Gerard Houllier's 2001 'treble-winning' side and the Rafa Benitez vintage that won the Champions League and FA Cup a few years later.

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The ex-Bayern Munich midfielder made 283 appearances for the Reds.
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