Benayoun signs new contract with Liverpool

Yossi Benayoun has signed a new contract with European powerhouse Liverpool, keeping him with the club until 2013.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who had two years remaining on his existing deal, agreed a two-year extension on Monday.

The Israel captain told official webiste: “I am very happy that we have reached an agreement. Of course, to be at a club like this is a dream come true and I want to keep playing here.”

“Hopefully now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware.”

Benayoun scored nine goals in 42 matches last season as Liverpool finished second in the league and reached the Champions League quarterfinals.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said: “You know that our idea was to extend the contracts of some players and Yossi was one of these players.”

“He has been really good for us over the last year, scoring crucial goals and getting assists, so we wanted to keep him and I’m really pleased with the extension.”

Benayoun has followed Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt in committing his long-term future to the club.