Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has agreed a two-year
contract extension at Anfield, keeping him at the club until at
least 2013.
The 28-year-old had two years to run on his current deal but has
committed to the Reds until beyond his 33rd birthday on a deal
approaching £150,000 a week.
Manager Rafael Benitez told the club's official website:
"Steven's new contract is fantastic news for the club.
"Steven has once again shown his commitment and it was an easy
deal to agree. As soon as we offered him the option he said
yes.
"There were no problems at all. He wants to stay for life.
"This deal sends out another clear message that we are moving
forward as a club. To know we have a player of Steven's quality
with us for many more years is a great boost for the club and the
fans.
"He is clearly a player who inspires those around him and, even
though he is playing very well at the moment, I still think his
best years are ahead of him."
Gerrard said recently: "I'm really happy at the club at the
moment, in fact I have never been happier at any time throughout my
career and I would happily sign for life.
"I am playing in a top team, I am playing with world-class
players and I believe that with this manager, going forward, we can
be successful."
After Benitez signed his own new contract in March, the way has
been clear for the Anfield boss to secure deals for a string of his
top stars.
It is understood that Benitez, now with more control over his
budget and transfer policy, is preparing deals for Jose Reina, Xabi
Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger, Fernando Torres
and Jamie Carragher.
He has already tied up deals for several of his backroom staff,
including assistant manager Sammy Lee, first-team coach Mauricio
Pellegrino, goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero, fitness coach Paco de
Miguel and chief scout Eduardo Macia.
But the jewel in the crown is Gerrard. Once again there has been
speculation of a summer bid from Real Madrid, but Gerrard has
frequently made it clear he has no desire to play anywhere but
Anfield.
And the announcement on Friday of his new deal can only boost
the feel-good atmosphere around the club as they chase Manchester
United at the top of the Premier League.