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| Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez has finally put pen to paper [AFP] |
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez signed a new contract, keeping him at the English Premier League club until 2014.
The announcement ends the uncertainty about the Spaniard's future, which heightened in January after he rejected an initial deal that was offered to him by the club's American owners.
Benitez's troubled relationship with chief executive Rick Parry had been considered to be a stumbling block in negotiating a new deal, but Parry has since said he will leave the club at the end of the season.
"My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal,'' Benitez said on the team's website.
"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 completed deal comes only a few days after Saturday's 4-1 win at Manchester United kept Liverpool in the Premier League title race, although the club remains four points behind the Red Devils.
Gratitude
"Throughout this process, I would like to thank the owners for their hard work in finalising the deal,'' Benitez said.
"All of us at the club want the same thing, which is to be successful by winning major trophies.''
Benitez joined Liverpool from Valencia in 2004 and became a fan favourite in his first season by winning the 2005 Uefa Champions League title.
His team is in the chase for another European Cup after beating Real Madrid 5-0 on aggregate to reach the quarterfinals.
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks said Benitez has masterminded "great progress'' in his five years at Anfield.
"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,'' Hicks said.
George Gillett, Hicks' partner at Liverpool, has been less of a fan but recognises that Benitez's talents are much in demand.
"With Rafa continuing to manage the team, we can look forward to more great football and success on the pitch,'' Gillett said.
"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.''
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