Gerrard commits future to Liverpool

Jan 12, 2012, 18:50 GMT

London - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard committed his future to the club on Thursday by signing an extension to his contract.

The 31-year-old finalized the deal, the exact length of which has yet to be disclosed, less than 24 hours after scoring the only goal in Liverpool's 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first leg victory at Manchester City.

'I'm very happy,' he told the club website. 'It's a very proud day for myself and my family. This is the club I love and is the club I have supported since I was a young boy.

'I am living the dream as the captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world. I love coming to work every day and the experiences I have had since I was eight years of age and first signed for the club, I wouldn't change them for the world.

'To extend that and to hopefully have some more good times in a red shirt is what I want.'

Manager Kenny Dalglish was full of praise for his captain's loyalty. 'For us, for Steven and for everybody connected with football club it's fantastic news,' he said.

'We're delighted for him and are looking forward to him getting back to full fitness and working hard for us and with us. He's been a fantastic servant to the football club.'

Gerrard has also agreed to take up an ambassadorial role with the club when he retires as a player.

'It's really flattering for me that the club have offered me the chance to stay when I eventually hang my boots up,' he said. 'Hopefully that will be in many years to come because I want to play for as long as I can.'

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