Sammy Lee: 'Going to Spain was the best thing that happened to me after joining Liverpool'

For Sammy Lee, joining Liverpool was a defining moment in his life, one that would have far-reaching consequences for both the player and the club. However, he often says that leaving Liverpool to join Osasuna 90 miles south-east of where he sits now is the best thing that happened to him.

The decision to leave the iconic Anfield was not an easy one for Lee, who had won everything with the Reds, including five league titles and two European Cups. Yet, his time at Osasuna marked a turning point in his career, allowing him to find a new purpose and rediscover himself.

Lee credits Michael Robinson with introducing him to Osasuna, where he met Pedro Zabalza, a coach who wanted an English style of football that would suit the northern Spanish club. It was during this period that Lee gained experience coaching, which eventually led to his return to Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish.

As he looks back on his career, Lee emphasizes the importance of finding one's passion and purpose beyond playing football. Coaching, for him, has been a more fulfilling path, allowing him to appreciate the game in a new way. "For me, it's about coaching even more than playing," he says.

Lee also highlights the significance of friendship and camaraderie in his career, citing Michael Robinson as someone who supported him throughout his time at Osasuna. The bond between coaches and players is crucial, Lee believes, as it fosters a sense of community and shared identity that can't be replicated by external factors.

In addition to his coaching experience, Lee has had the opportunity to work with some of England's greatest managers, including Peter Taylor and Sven-Göran Eriksson. While he acknowledges the pressures and expectations that come with representing the national team, Lee emphasizes the importance of enjoying the camaraderie and shared passion for the game.

Throughout his career, Lee has faced challenges and setbacks, but he remains committed to the values of hard work, preparation, and teamwork. For him, football is a game that brings people together, and it's this sense of belonging and identity that gives him joy and fulfillment.

As Lee reflects on his life and career, it becomes clear that joining Osasuna was a pivotal moment in his journey, one that allowed him to discover new passions and purposes beyond playing football. His time at the Pamplona-based club marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that has been filled with purpose, passion, and joy.

I gotta say , I'm not buying into all this "leaving Liverpool was the best thing" vibe . For me, it's all about Sammy Lee finding what makes him happy and fulfilled. If coaching is where his heart is, then kudos to him for pursuing it . But let's be real, joining Osasuna might've been a way out of the intense spotlight at Anfield ️. I mean, who doesn't love being part of Liverpool legends? It's like leaving a superhero life to become an ordinary coach .

I get it, Sammy Lee's story is all about finding your true self on and off the pitch . I mean, we've all been there, left our comfort zone to try something new, and BAM! You find a new sense of purpose. He was stuck at Liverpool with 5 league titles and 2 European Cups but still felt unfulfilled? That's like being on top of the world but feeling empty inside . Joining Osasuna might've been the best thing that happened to him, who knew right? Coach Pedro Zabalza must be a genius or something for introducing English football style to a Spanish club . The fact that Lee went back to Liverpool with new experience and passion is like proof that you can't teach old dogs new tricks...or in this case, coaches old players new ways

I'm loving this story about Sammy Lee . I mean, who wouldn't want to go from playing for Liverpool to finding their true calling coaching at Osasuna? It's like, you're giving up the fame and fortune of being a pro footballer to find something that truly makes you happy... sounds like a dream come true to me . And can we talk about how cool it is that he got to work with some top-notch managers? Like, Peter Taylor and Sven-Göran Eriksson, whoa! The guy's had an amazing journey, and I'm all for celebrating the underdog story . Plus, I love how he talks about the importance of friendship and camaraderie in football... it's like, that's what it's all about, right?

I gotta say, Sammy Lee's story is really inspiring . Leaving Liverpool was probably the best decision he ever made, especially when you think about how much success he had there . But at the same time, it shows that sometimes you gotta shake things up and try new things to find your true purpose .

I love how he mentions Michael Robinson as a big influence in his life . Having someone like that around can make all the difference, right? And it's cool how he got into coaching and found a new passion in life . I'm sure it wasn't easy to go from being a pro player to coaching, but it sounds like it's worked out really well for him.

What really gets me is how much importance he puts on friendship and camaraderie . That's what makes football (or any sport) truly special, imo . When you're part of a team, you're more than just players – you're a family . And it sounds like Sammy Lee's got a great appreciation for that.

I'm still reeling from Sammy Lee's story what an incredible journey he's been on! I mean, winning everything with Liverpool is no joke, but the fact that leaving them was the best thing that happened to him? That takes a lot of guts and humility. And to think about how it led him to find his passion in coaching? Genius, pure genius!

I love how he credits Michael Robinson for introducing him to Osasuna and Pedro Zabalza's vision for an English style of football. It just goes to show that sometimes the best opportunities come from taking a chance on something new. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to play for Osasuna? That's some serious bragging rights right there!

But what really gets me is how Lee emphasizes the importance of friendship and camaraderie in his career. As someone who's been fortunate enough to have had some amazing friendships in my own life, I can totally relate to that. The bond between coaches and players is truly special, and it's something that can't be replicated by external factors.

And have you noticed how Lee's story just keeps getting better and better? From playing with the Reds to coaching under Kenny Dalglish, from working with England's top managers to finding his passion in coaching... this guy's life is like a fairy tale! I mean, who wouldn't want to be Sammy Lee?

you know what's crazy about osasuna? they're like this tiny little club in spain but they've got an amazing stadium . i mean, have you seen el sabatini? it's like a rock concert venue or something! anyway, back to sammy lee... i feel like he's kinda inspiring us all to find our own "osasuna" moment . for me, it's not about being a pro athlete or coach, but more about finding my own passion project and just going with it . speaking of which, have you guys tried that new coffee shop downtown? i heard their cold brew is out of this world ️

I think it's so cool how Sammy Lee found a new purpose after leaving Liverpool. Like, coaching is such a great way to stay involved in football without being on the pitch all the time. And I'm glad he had people like Michael Robinson who supported him at Osasuna He's definitely proof that there's more to life than just playing football!

I gotta say, I'm surprised Sammy Lee is giving all the credit to Osasuna for finding himself again after leaving Liverpool! I mean, we all know he won everything at Anfield, but it's cool that he found a new love in coaching and making a difference elsewhere. His bond with Michael Robinson is super inspiring - coaches and players truly are like family on the pitch! What about the fans, though? Don't they deserve some recognition for keeping him motivated all those years at Liverpool?

I'm just thinking about Sammy Lee's story ... He had everything at Liverpool, but leaving to join Osasuna was actually the best thing for him? That's so true! I mean, we've all heard of players who have retired or left clubs because they weren't happy, but it sounds like Lee found his purpose coaching there. It's interesting that he credits Michael Robinson with introducing him to the club and Pedro Zabalza with giving him a chance to try out a new style of football.

It's also cool to see how Lee talks about the importance of friendship and camaraderie in football . He really highlights the bond between coaches and players, which is something that I think is often overlooked in the media. And it's great to hear that he's had the chance to work with some amazing managers over the years.

You know what I love about Lee's story? It's not just about him achieving success or winning titles – it's about finding joy and fulfillment in the game . For me, that's what makes football so special. We're all just trying to find our way, whether we're playing, coaching, or following the game from the stands.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around Sammy Lee's journey, you know? Like, what even is this? He wins all these titles at Liverpool, but then he leaves to join Osasuna and it's like, the best thing that ever happened to him? I get it, he found a new purpose in coaching and all that, but still... leaving one of the biggest clubs in England for a team in Spain? It's like, what was going through his mind?

And then you read about how Michael Robinson introduced him to Osasuna and Pedro Zabalza, and it just makes sense. Lee needed a change of scenery, you know? He'd won everything at Liverpool, but he wasn't fulfilled. And now he's coaching, which is amazing for him. But still... I mean, what if he hadn't found that new passion? What if he was stuck playing football forever?

And the part about friendship and camaraderie? That makes so much sense too. Lee talks about how important it was to have people like Michael Robinson supporting him, and how that bond between coaches and players is crucial. I mean, we know that in sports, relationships can make or break a career, right?

But what really gets me is when he says that football brings people together. Like, isn't that the whole point of playing the game? It's not just about winning titles or making money; it's about being part of something bigger than yourself. And Lee, he's so humble about all his achievements, but at the same time, you can tell he's passionate about what he does.

Anyway... I guess my point is, Sammy Lee's story is like, a reminder that there's more to life than just one thing. You gotta find your passion, your purpose, and your people. And even when things don't go as planned, you can still find happiness and fulfillment.

I think its all about finding what makes you tick outside of playing footy, ya know? Sammy Lee's story is super inspiring, but its not just about him, its about how football can bring people together & give 'em a sense of purpose. I've seen ppl get stuck in a rut after retire, but coaching or mentoring can be a great way to find new passion. Its all about community & camaraderie, especially when it comes to management. The bond between coaches & players is key!

You know what's wild about Sammy Lee's story? He went from being part of this iconic Liverpool team to finding a new sense of purpose coaching at Osasuna. It makes me think, is it the destination or the journey that truly matters? We get so caught up in chasing our goals and living up to expectations that we forget to enjoy the process along the way. I mean, think about it, Sammy Lee could've easily stayed with Liverpool and continued his playing career, but he didn't. He took a chance on something new and it ended up being a game-changer for him.

It's also interesting how he highlights the importance of friendship and camaraderie in his career. That's something we can all learn from, right? Surrounding yourself with people who support you and share your passions is what truly makes life fulfilling. And I love how he mentions working with some of England's greatest managers - that's what it's all about, isn't it? The connections you make, the experiences you have, these are the things that truly matter in the end.

I'm thinking... Sammy Lee's story is actually kinda inspiring . I mean, he won everything with Liverpool, but then left to join Osasuna and found a new love for coaching? That takes guts! What I find really interesting is how he credits his time at Osasuna as the best thing that happened to him. It's like he finally found his true calling . And it's not just about him, either - the bond between coaches and players can be super strong... Have you ever been part of a team where everyone just clicked? That sense of community is hard to beat!

I gotta say, Sammy Lee's story is so inspiring . I mean, he won loads of titles with Liverpool but then left to join Osasuna and it ended up being the best thing for him? That's like a masterclass in finding your true purpose! Coaching is all about giving back to the game that gave you so much, and Lee's found his groove doing just that. And can we talk about the importance of friendship and camaraderie in football? It's what makes the game truly special. I love how Lee says it's not just about playing, but also about coaching and being part of a community that shares your passion. He's proof that life doesn't have to be linear – sometimes you gotta take a detour to find where you're really meant to be .

omg u guys i'm literally so done with sammy lee's latest interview he's saying that leaving liverpool was the best thing 2 happen to him and i'm like no way bruv!! he won everything @ anfield and then just chillaxed at osasuna but seriously though coaching has given him a new purpose and im all about it sammy lee's a true legend but i think he's being hella humble about his accomplishments

idk why ppl think osasuna is just some random spain team . Sammy Lee left Liverpool to find himself and it actually worked out pretty well for him! he got to coach and find a new passion in life . also, his friendship with michael robinson is super inspiring - having people who support u throughout ur journey makes all the diff . lee's story is like, "hey, football isn't just about winning or playing, it's about finding what makes u happy and fulfilled" . can we talk more about how much i love coaching now?

Life begins at the end . Sometimes we have to take risks and leave our comfort zones to find true fulfillment.

People often think about the big wins and championships, but it's the small moments, the connections, and the lessons learned along the way that truly shape us.

I think Sammy Lee's story is a great reminder that finding one's passion and purpose goes beyond just playing football. It's about discovering what makes you tick and living a life that reflects those values.

And let's not forget the importance of friendship and camaraderie in our journeys! Surrounding ourselves with people who support and uplift us can make all the difference

I'm not surprised Lee loves Osasuna more than Liverpool . I mean, think about it - he's had to adapt to a whole new culture and way of playing, which is crazy for someone who was at the top of their game. And let's be real, joining a team 90 miles from where you live can't be easy . But for Lee, it seems like that's exactly what he needed to find himself again. Coaching is such an underrated aspect of football - I love how Lee credits it with bringing him fulfillment . It just goes to show that there's more to life as a pro athlete than just playing the game.

I think Sammy Lee's story is really inspiring, he went through some big changes in his career and still managed to find happiness. Leaving Liverpool was a tough decision but it sounds like it worked out for him in the end. Coaching has brought him a new sense of purpose and fulfillment, which is awesome . I also love how he talks about the importance of friendship and camaraderie in his career, that's something we can all learn from . He's proof that you don't have to be just a player to make an impact on the game, being a coach has allowed him to give back in a new way .