Rafa renewal never in doubt

limpper SG

Rafael Benitez has signed a new deal with Liverpool, ending months of speculation over his future.

The five-year contract will see the Spaniard remain at Anfield until 2014 despite a fractured relationship outgoing chief executive Rick Parry.

"My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.

"I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool.

"The club is greatly respected around the world due to its incredible history and tremendous heritage. It is my aim to uphold those values and help create a new chapter in our history.

"Throughout this process, I would like to thank the owners for their hard work in finalising the deal. All of us at the club want the same thing, which is to be successful by winning major trophies."

limpper SG

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez ended speculation about his future by signing a contract extension on Wednesday that will keep him at the Premier League club until at least 2014.

"My heart is with Liverpool so I'm delighted to sign this new deal," the 48-year-old Spaniard told the club's website.

"I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time."

Benitez arrived from Valencia in 2004 and despite failing to end their wait for the top-flight title stretching back to 1990 he has re-established Liverpool as a European powerhouse, winning the Champions League in 2005 and reaching the final two years later.

Last week Liverpool reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 5-0 aggregate rout of Real Madrid and on Saturday, Benitez's men thrashed Premier League leaders Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford.

"It is wonderful news Rafa has made a long-term commitment to the club," American co-owner Tom Hicks told Liverpool's website. "Since he became manager he has been responsible for the great progress we have made.

MORE SUCCESS

"I know he will continue to build on his achievements as he has a tremendous hunger and desire to bring more success to the club, success our fans and everyone connected with the club deserves."

As well as winning the Champions League, Benitez also lifted the FA Cup with Liverpool in 2006, but his time at Anfield has not always run smoothly.

In 2007 he fell out with Hicks and co-owner George Gillett after publicly criticising transfer policy.

Liverpool's failure to challenge United and Chelsea for the title until this season has also frustrated the fans.

In addition, his failure to sign a new contract fuelled speculation Benitez would leave for hometown club Real Madrid.

This season Liverpool surged clear at the top of the table before Christmas. But their title push has faded over the past three months and despite league doubles over Chelsea and United they are again rated outsiders.

Benitez was also criticised for his treatment of Robbie Keane before selling the Ireland striker back to Tottenham Hotspur in January.

A verbal attack on United manager Alex Ferguson in January backfired badly as the Old Trafford club surged back to the top of the league.

brokenluv SG

thats a good thing. the only thing left is for tom hicks and gillett to sell the club to some richass to finance future signings. at least thats what happen on my fm09 liverpool=D

limpper SG

Rafa Benitez's new five-year deal at Liverpool is worth a cool £20 million.

The Sun says the Spaniard had stalled on the offer for nearly two months, raising doubts over his long-term future.

He had knocked back earlier drafts as he wanted a greater control in transfers and a bigger hand in the academy.

But now he and the Reds’ US owners have agreed to compromise slightly, with Benitez able to move for transfers within a budget as well as being given assurances over the club’s future.

Benitez, who will pick up around £85,000 a week, had only one more season left on his current contract.

But he always insisted he wanted to stay and create another Anfield dynasty — and now he has decided to prove it.

Scania N113CRB l0v3r SG

Congratz Liverpool

limpper SG

Liverpool 's American co-owner Tom Hicks says he never doubted that, manager, Rafa Benitez would agree a new contract with the club.

The Spaniard finally ended months of speculation on Wednesday by signing a contract extension with the Merseysiders until 2014, with rumours having continually circulated suggesting the former Valencia boss was set to quit over disagreements over how much control he could have over the club's transfer dealings.

But Hicks says he never feared that Rafa would walk away from Anfield.

"I have never been worried about whether he was going to sign because I know that Rafa has such a passion for Liverpool," Hicks told Sky Sports News.

"I have looked him in the eye and I know that. But these things are complicated. A five-year contract is complicated and I am relieved we have finally got it done.

"I sat down with Rafa a couple of months ago and he knows the manager can't have control over the transfer budget.

"He has had his frustrations over the past five years, but he will make the recommendations about which players we sign, and the new chief executive and the owners and the board will make the final financial commitment.

"That is the way it needs to be and will be in English football. We really haven't had to make promises to Rafa. He knows we want to win.

Jiemin SG

Congrats? This means liverpool is not getting the domestic league for another 5 years wor

sg_forum SG

Congrats? This means liverpool is not getting the domestic league for another 5 years wor

Actually, Liverpool has been making a steady progress since he came...at least this year can challenge liao...need to have more depth...