Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has signed a new deal
with the club.
The 25-year-old Spaniard, who had been linked with a move away from
Anfield, has put pen to paper on a contract that runs for five more
years until 2012.
"I knew there was interest from other clubs but it was always my
idea to stay here. It's a special club and I just didn't want to
leave," said Alonso.
He is the fourth Red to sign a new deal after Steven Gerrard, Jamie
Carragher and compatriot Pepe Reina.
"It's also good news to see that other players have signed new
contracts this week," added Alonso.
"Stevie, Carra and Pepe are all big players for us and it's great
they have all shown their commitment.
"I'm sure the manager will be bringing in new players as well and
that the new owners will be making a big effort to improve the
squad.
"We can achieve big things and hopefully we won't make the same
mistakes next season as we did last season. We want to be
challenging the top teams."
Alonso, who signed for Liverpool in a £10.5m deal from Real
Sociedad in August 2004, had been linked with a return to Spain and
Barcelona.
Speculation also suggested a move to Juventus could be on the
cards, particularly with his place in the team under threat
following the January arrival of Javier Mascherano.
But Alonso is up for the challenge of battling the Argentine for a
midfield role on Merseyside.
"It's great to have competition and I'm ready to fight for my
place," he added.
"The more top-quality players we have then the better the level of
the team will be and I'm confident I can play a lot of minutes on
the pitch and keep the confidence of the manager."
After securing Alonso's services, the Champions League finalists
will now turn their attentions to Steve Finnan and Mohamed
Sissoko.
The pair are expected to sign five-year extensions over the
weekend.
But boss Rafael Benitez has seen enough of goalkeeper Daniele
Padelli, who has returned to Sampdoria after a loan spell at
Anfield.
The 21-year-old played one game for the Reds, the last domestic
outing of the season against Charlton.
The Reds have also released former youth team keeper David Roberts,
while Jerzy Dudek has not been retained, so Benitez will need to
bolster his options behind Reina and Scott Carson.