Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard on Monday signed a new two-year contract extension with the only club he has ever played for, an Anfield statement said.
The 33-year-old England captain, whose previous deal was due to expire at the end of next season, told the club’s Web site: “I think everyone knows what it means to me.”
“I’ve been here that long and so to extend, it’s a big day for me, and I’m really happy for myself and my family. It’s great news,” he said.
Gerrard, who made his Anfield debut in 1998, added: “It lets me know the club thinks an awful lot of me and want me here.”
“I’m glad it’s all done and it’s happened at the right time before the season, so I can just focus on playing as well as I can,” he added.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre described the news as “fantastic.”
“He is — and always has been — such a big part of Liverpool Football Club,” Ayre said. “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’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.”
Gerrard, who counts a UEFA Champions League win among his numerous honors, flirted with a move away from Merseyside in 2005 when he requested a transfer and was set to join Chelsea, only to retract it and stay put at Anfield.
The veteran midfielder put pen to paper on his latest contract at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground on the day Arsenal were reported to have renewed their interest in Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
After a previous £30 million (US$45 million) bid was rejected, the Gunners are believed to have returned to the negotiating table with an increased offer of £35 million for a player Liverpool value at £40 million.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely