RAFAEL BENITEZ has signed a new deal with Liverpool to keep him at Anfield until 2014. The former Valencia boss, who led Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005, has been in contract talks with the club for much of the season. “My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I’m delighted to sign this new deal,” Benitez said last night.
“I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying.
“I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool.
“The club is greatly respected around the world due to its incredible history and tremendous heritage. It is my aim to uphold those values and help create a new chapter in our history.
“Throughout this process, I would like to thank the owners for their hard work in finalising the deal. All of us at the club want the same thing, which is to be successful by winning major trophies.”
Liverpool co-chairman Tom Hicks said: “It is wonderful news that Rafa has made a long-term commitment to the football club. Since he became manager in 2004, he has been responsible for the great progress we have made.
“I know he will continue to build on his achievements as he has a tremendous hunger and desire to bring more success to the club – success our fans and everyone connected with the club deserves.”
Liverpool’s other co-chairman George Gillett added: “With Rafa continuing to manage the team, we can look forward to more great football and success on the pitch. He has special abilities and qualities which are admired here at the club and around the world.
“Coming after our excellent wins over Real Madrid and Manchester United, this gives us great momentum going into the final stages of the season.”
Meanwhile, club captain Steven Gerrard is not worried by the prospect of facing another English side in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Liverpool have faced Chelsea three times and Arsenal once in the previous three seasons in European competition.
And with the London duo, plus Manchester United, also through to the last eight of the Champions League the chances are high of another all English-showdown when the draw is made tomorrow.
“We are not running scared of anybody,” said Gerrard. “We will take who we get, and believe that we are going to go through.
“If you are asking me about a fear factor in the Champions League, then I think it is the other seven teams in the draw who are going to have concerns about coming up against us after that Real Madrid result.
“The way I look at it, we are going to have to play them sooner or later, so it does not matter if it is now, the semi-finals or the final.”
Liverpool have been boosted by the return of defender Daniel Agger to full training following a back problem that has sidelined the Dane for more than a month.