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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez - Source: Reuters -
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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez ended speculation about his
future by signing a contract extension on Thursday that will keep
him at the Premier League club until at least 2014.
"My heart is with Liverpool so I'm delighted to sign this new
deal," the 48-year-old Spaniard told the club's website
(www.liverpoolfc.tv).
"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."
Benitez took over in 2004 and despite failing to end their wait for
the top-flight title stretching back to 1990 he has re-established
Liverpool as a European powerhouse, winning the Champions League in
2005 and reaching the final two years later.
Real rout
Last week Liverpool reached the quarter-finals of the Champions
League with a 5-0 aggregate rout of Real Madrid and on Sunday,
Benitez's men thrashed Premier League leaders Manchester United 4-1
at Old Trafford.
"It is wonderful news Rafa has made a long-term commitment to the
club," American co-owner Tom Hicks told Liverpool's website.
"Since he became manager 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."
As well as winning the Champions League, Benitez also lifted the FA
Cup with Liverpool in 2006.
