Torres signs improved Liverpool contract

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres signed an improved contract with the Premier League club on Thursday.

Torres, 25, was handed the wage increase as a reward for his superb displays this season, which helped Rafa Benitez’s side finish second in the Premier League behind champions Manchester United.

The new deal, believed to be worth around 90,000 pounds a week, also includes the option of a further year’s extension to Torres’s current contract, which is due to expire in June 2013.

Spain international Torres scored his 50th goal for Liverpool in the victory over Tottenham on the final day of the Premier League season and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.

“Fernando Torres has agreed a new, improved contract with Liverpool, reflecting his standing as one of the world’s top strikers,” the club’s website confirmed.

If Torres had been able to avoid injuries that sidelined him at several key stages of the season, Liverpool would have been in a strong position to end their 19-year wait to win the English title.

And Benitez believes the best is yet to come from Torres because he remains hungry to learn more about his position.

“Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game today and, at his age, can only get better,” Benitez said.

“Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club. He’s a special talent, but still has the hunger to improve his game.”

Torres joins Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger in agreeing new deals at Anfield over the past two months.

Benitez added: “We’ve made huge progress this season and now we need to take the next step. We are building something special here and securing such important players on long-term deals means we can move forward with confidence.

“This sends out a very positive message to everyone connected with the club.”