Gerrard signs ’til 2013

After a fortnight of contract negotiations at Anfield which has seen manager Rafa Benitez and his backroom staff extend their deals at Liverpool, captain Steven Gerrard is the latest to commit to the cause.

Gerrard still had two more years left to run on his current deal, but has agreed a new contract that will keep him on Merseyside until at least 2013.

Gerrard has enjoyed arguably his best season yet at the club, recently stating he’s ‘œnever been happier’ and earning the title of best midfielder in the world by French World Cup winning legend Zinedine Zidane.

Benitez was delighted at Gerrard’s decision. He said, “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.”

Benitez will now turn his attentions to securing extensions for other important players who have shorter time left on their current deals. Namely Dirk Kuyt, Fabio Aurelio, Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel Agger, along with securing Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres on improved deals.

Meanwhile, Gerrard appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday morning to plead not guilty to affray relating to the incident at a Southport nightclub last December. The charges of assault were previously dropped. The case will be heard in June.