Deadly Dirk follows skipper's example
-
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has agreed a two-year extension to his current contract at Anfield.
The England ace's deal on Merseyside still had two years before it expired, but the Reds have moved to secure their star asset.
Gerrard has been in inspirational form as Rafa Benitez's side chase Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory, and the news will come as a major boost.
The 28-year-old is now tied to the club until at least 2013 and Benitez, who recently signed a new five-year deal, is pleased his skipper has put pen-to-paper.
Benitez told Liverpool's official website: "This 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."
-
Gratz At Least my bro would be happy if he saw this
-
No wonder he's smiling: Gerrard hits jackpot with £26m new Liverpool deal before pleading not guilty over nightclub brawl
Relaxed: Steven Gerrard arrives at Liverpool Crown Court to formally enter a plea.
Steven Gerrard today denied being involved in a nightclub fight - on the day he was handed a hefty pay rise by Liverpool.
The Anfield captain pleaded not guilty to affray when he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court. The 28-year-old was accused of being part of a group that injured businessman Marcus McGee, 34, at the Lounge Inn, Southport, in the early hours of December 29 last year.
The 28-year-old had two years to run on his £100,000 a week Liverpool deal but has agreed improved terms to stay at the club until 2013.
He has surpassed Fernando Torres as the top earner at the club and will pick up about £125,000 a week in a deal that will be worth close to £26million.
Manager Rafael Benitez told the club's website: 'This 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.
-
Deadly Dirk follows skipper's example
Liverpool’s money-men have been hard at work on Friday, tying Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard to new contracts.
Gerrard, who had two years to run on his current deal, has penned a two-year extension that keeps him at the club until 2013.
Workmanlike winger Kuyt has also been handed the handsome reward of a two-year extension, as Rafa Benitez follows through with his promise to tie key players to new contracts.
Kuyt has often divided opinion during his time on Merseyside, with some Kopites believing the blond Dutchman to be too limited, while others recognise his big contributions in big games.
Arriving from Feyenoord with a goalscoring reputation after netting 71 league goals in 101 games, Kuyt has rarely looked as skilful in front of goal for Liverpool, netting just 23 league goals in 94 outings.
His contribution and work ethic though, particularly in the big games (most notably last season’s Champions League tie with Arsenal) can never be overlooked , and Benitez will be delighted to have tied down his favourite Dutchman ahead of Saturday's crucial clash with Fulham.
-
that retard kuyt