Gerrard signs new Liverpool deal

The 33-year-old midfielder, who has spent his entire career with the Reds, put pen-to-paper this morning on what is understood to be a two-year deal.

And on what lies ahead, Gerrard told LFC TV: "I've got a lot of confidence and belief in my team-mates and in the coaches we've got.

"That's the reason why I feel as if we can move forward together and get success back soon.

"Every fan out there and the players are no different - we want to see a few more faces to strengthen the team and squad even more.

"It is an exciting time when you get a couple of new faces in to freshen the squad up. You're at the beginning of the season and it's a fresh start, there are trophies to be won and things to achieve.

"I won't lie to you, I'm really excited at the moment."

In boss Brendan Rodgers' first season in charge last term, Liverpool finished seventh in the Barclays Premier League and so far this summer they have added to their squad by bringing in goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, defender Kolo Toure and forwards Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas.

Asked about his relationship with Rodgers, Gerrard - also the England skipper - said: "I think it's perfect.

"I've got a lot of respect for Brendan as a coach, but also as a guy as well.

"I've loved every minute of working with him since he came through the door and I hope he is here for certainly the next couple of years. I want to work with him more.

"The relationship is growing and I feel as if he is the man to take this club forward."

Gerrard, who had a year left on his previous contract, made his Liverpool first-team debut in 1998 and has racked up 630 appearances for them.

He has scored 159 goals along the way, as well as winning the 2005 Champions League, the 2001 UEFA Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups.

Gerrard is very much aware of the bond that has developed between himself and the Anfield outfit's fans.

Asked what he hoped the news of his extension would mean to Liverpool supporters, he said: "I hope they're really happy.

"The relationship is mutual - the respect they have for me, and they know how much I love them, so it's a two-way thing."

Gerrard is also grateful to the club itself for making him feel "loved".

He said: "People talk about my loyalty to the football club because I've been here all the way through, but the club have been very loyal to me all the way throughout my career and always rewarded me at the right times with deals.

"They've always told me what they think about me and that's very important as a footballer, to know that you're loved."

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said the club and the player would review the contract situation in 2015, but suggested Gerrard's services had been secured "until the end of his career".

Ayre said: "It's fantastic for everyone - the club, Steven and the fans.

"He is - and always has been - such a big part of Liverpool Football Club.

"Particularly in this day and age, it's rather unique to find a local player who has given his whole career to his club.

"We're pleased today to add an extension to his existing agreement and that keeps him here until the end of his career.

"We've said what we'll do in two years' time is review it again and see how happy Steven is.

"We seem to always be happy with him, so hopefully we'll just continue in that vein."

Giving his reaction, Rodgers said: "I'm absolutely delighted, as you can imagine.

"I've talked throughout pre-season about wanting to bring other players into the group, but this was one of the - if not the - most important signings for us.

"He's an icon here at the football club - a real iconic figure for players and supporters.

"I think he's still got a good few years left yet. His level of performance last year was outstanding.

"He's been a great support for me coming into such a club, a brilliant captain, he's got great values and the leadership he provides is second to none.

"For myself, the supporters and his team-mates, it's brilliant news.

"Now he can really concentrate on his football and hopefully stay at the level he's been at."

On his relationship with Gerrard, the 40-year-old Reds manager added: "I respect everything he's done within the game prior to me coming in here.

"I respect his loyalty and he respects that I am the manager of the football club and make football decisions, but will talk with him.

"I always work closely with players. We have a good relationship and the door is always open for Steven as the club captain.

"He and I speak regularly and our relationship is very, very good, as it is for me with most of the players.

"He's a real good guy and very, very humble. That's the mark of him - with everything he's achieved in the game, everything he's won, he's the current England captain and one of the best players to ever have graced the Premier League, to retain the humility that he has and still have the eagerness to want to improve and be better, he is a real shining light and example for many players."