Premier League: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has agreed a two-year contract extension, the club announced today. The 28-year-old had two years to run on his current deal but has committed to the club until 2013.

Manager Rafael Benitez told the club’s website: “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.

“This deal sends out another clear message that we are moving forward as a club. To know we have a player of Steven’s quality with us for many more years is a great boost for the club and the fans.

“He is clearly a player who inspires those around him and even though he is playing very well at the moment, I still think his best years are ahead of him.”