Gerrard extends Liverpool contract

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has committed to the club until 2013 after agreeing a two-year contract extension.

The 28-year-old, whose recent dynamic displays have hauled the Reds to within one point of leaders Manchester United and also helped humiliate Real Madrid in the Champions League, had two years to run on his current deal.

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.

“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.”