Christmas comes early for Liverpool as Suarez commits future to Reds after penning new £200k-per-week long-term deal

By Craig Hope

PUBLISHED: 08:40 EST, 20 December 2013 | UPDATED: 11:26 EST, 20 December 2013

Luis Suarez has ended speculation that he will be leaving Liverpool by penning a new long-term deal worth £200,000 per week.

The Reds announced on Friday that their free-scoring Uruguayan – who has netted 17 times already this season – has committed his future to the club.

It brings to a close the saga surrounding Suarez and reports that he could look to quit Anfield next year.

Commitment: Luis Suarez has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool

Commitment: Luis Suarez has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool

Winner: Player of the year Luis Suarez celebrates his Football Supporters' Federation gong with wife Sofia

Winner: Player of the year Luis Suarez celebrates his Football Supporters' Federation gong with wife Sofia

Luis Suarez by numbers...

12 - The amount of games played by Suarez this season.

17 - The amount of goals scored by Suarez this season.

126 - The total minutes from his return from a ban to scoring at Sunderland.

2 - Hat-tricks this season (one four-goal haul included).

1 - Yellow card given to him.

108 - Total appearances for Liverpool.

68 - Goals scored in a red shirt.

He failed to manoeuvre a switch to Arsenal during the summer and was convinced to remain on Merseyside by boss Brendan Rodgers.

But, having finalised the deal which extends to 2018, the 26-year-old said: ‘I am delighted to have agreed a new deal with Liverpool and have my future secured for the long term.

‘We have some great players and the team is growing and improving all the time. I believe I can achieve the ambitions of winning trophies and playing at the very highest level with Liverpool. My aim is to help get us there as quickly as possible.

‘Without doubt the backing I have received from the Liverpool fans has influenced my decision. I am so proud to represent them and go out to do my best for them every time I pull on the shirt.

‘We have a special relationship; they have love for me and in return I love them back. I will always do my best for them and hopefully we can achieve success together.’

Stunner: Among Suarez's 17 goals this season was his breathtaking volley in the 5-1 win over Norwich, a match in which he scored four times

Stunner: Among Suarez's 17 goals this season was his breathtaking volley in the 5-1 win over Norwich, a match in which he scored four times

Suarez was this week named Player of the Year at the Football Supporters' Federation Awards.

The prize charts a remarkable turnaround for the striker, who was banned for 10 matches by the FA last season for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

He didn't make his Premier League reappearance until September 29 and has notched his 17 goals in just 12 matches.

And a delighted Rodgers said: ‘This is fantastic news for everyone associated with the club; the team, the owners and most importantly the supporters.

'Luis is a world-class talent and securing his services is crucial for what we are trying to achieve here.

'What's most important and most exciting is that, at just 26 years old, his best years are still ahead of him and we now know we'll be seeing him reach that potential in a Liverpool shirt.'

Speculation: Suarez had asked for a transfer during the summer but Friday's news ends speculation he'll be leaving the club in January

Speculation: Suarez had asked for a transfer during the summer but Friday's news ends speculation he'll be leaving the club in January

Meanwhile, Liverpool's principal owner John W Henry said: 'We are committed to working hard to keep our best players and this is an indication that we are moving in the right direction and moving at a pace that impresses one of the best players in world football.

'The club has made major strides forward in recent years and we are all committed to delivering the success our supporters want and deserve.'

Chairman Tom Werner added: 'This demonstrates our commitment, as an ownership group, to building a team that competes at the highest level both in the Barclays Premier League and in Europe.

'Our primary motive is to do what is best for Liverpool Football Club and today's news is another significant step forward on this journey.'

In form: Suarez scored twice as Liverpool enjoyed a 5-0 win at Spurs on Sunday

In form: Suarez scored twice as Liverpool enjoyed a 5-0 win at Spurs on Sunday

 

More...


Comments (584)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

He'll be gone by next year

6
2
 Click to rate

People talk about loyalty, but you're paying him 50,000,000 quid. That buys a lot of loyalty.

1
6
 Click to rate

Beware defenders looks like he's 'hungry' for more premiership action

4
3
 Click to rate

And the player of the year award also.

3
3
 Click to rate

A signature means the club will just sell him for a higher price. Not loyalty

4
6
 Click to rate

Lets just hope he sees it through!

2
3
 Click to rate

Honesty I think he deserves more!just imagine Suarez in an arsenal or Madrid shirt and tell me they won't be top of the league.

15
5
 Click to rate

HELLO, ITS LFC FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.

1
4
 Click to rate

How about Liverpool being top of the league, Suarez can.

1
2
 Click to rate

Arsene learn something from Rodgers - you keep your best players not sell them. In Arsene we trust!!

3
17
 Click to rate

bugs bunny

17
2
 Click to rate

Idiot

1
3
 Click to rate

suarez will most likely leave at the end of the season when the planks from madrid come in with 100million either way i think the winners here are the scousers

9
9
 Click to rate

That a good or bad thing? Football in the EPL particularly is competitive, why clubs should seek to keep their best. Not bend over for them but reasonably pay and play them as fit. Provided the terms are reasonable, there's no problem.

1
0
 Click to rate

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now