Rafa Signs New 5 Year Deal - OFFICIAL

[MrsB]

This is good, no?

[Craig_H]

SSN still have just reported it too.

I wonder if this means Rafa's got some inside info on the ownership stuff - cream, any word on this?

[Rich]

cream insider par excellance

[wiw]

So does he have control of transfers then?

and it was on other forums an hour ago apparently..but good work Cream

[Big Dave]

Breaking news on SSN......................****ing fantastic news.

Get In!

[spud_gun]

On TalkSport just now.

[Vermilion]

Being Announced WORLD WIDE now..

[Reece]

Well, there you go.

Haha fair play to you.

[MrsB]

So does he have control of transfers then?

Yes, and we'll get Gareth Barry!

[Reece]

Absolutely brilliant news. ****ing delighted

Haha I'm buzzing even more now mate

[Shaggy]

Rafa Benitez has signed a contract extension with Liverpool FC, keeping him at the club until 2014.
The Liverpool Manager has extended his current deal, which took him to the end of next season, by a further four years.

"My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal," said Rafa. "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 and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool.

"The club is greatly respected around the world due to its incredible history and tremendous heritage. It is my aim to uphold those values and help create a new chapter in our history.

"Throughout this process, I would like to thank the owners for their hard work in finalising the deal. All of us at the club want the same thing, which is to be successful by winning major trophies."

The completion of contract talks with Rafa is the third major boost for Liverpool fans in recent days, coming after fabulous wins against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester United in the Premier League. The 4-1 win at Old Trafford saw Rafa achieve 100 league wins in the third fastest period of time for a Liverpool manager, surpassing Bill Shankly.

Liverpool Co-Chairman Tom Hicks said: "It is wonderful news that Rafa has made a long-term commitment to the football club. Since he became Manager in 2004, 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."

Co-Chairman George Gillett added: "With Rafa continuing to manage the team, we can look forward to more great football and success on the pitch. He has special abilities and qualities which are admired here at the club and around the world. Coming after our excellent wins over Real Madrid and Manchester United, this gives us great momentum going into the final stages of the season."

Rafa joined The Reds in 2004 following a successful period in charge of Spanish club Valencia, who he guided to two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup success.

While he has been at the helm, Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League in Istanbul in 2005, the FA Cup the following year and reached another Champions League final in Athens in 2007. He has also overseen success in both the UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield.

The club are currently the number one team in Europe according to UEFA's co-efficient ranking system, based on results over the past five years in European competition.

[little dave hedgehog]

Yes, and we'll get Gareth Barry!

careful now, now that he's in control, i'm predicting the most unpredictable transfer season we've had in some time.

and a damn good squad at the end of it! but not sure about barry. people have tried to read rafa's mind before....

yes i realize he was keen last year, but things may have changed, and he'll never say

[Shaggy]

Think this thread should be moved back now

[Reece]

Think this thread should be moved back now

MrsB had already given me the order

[SK]

Think this thread should be moved back now

and to think reggie wanted to lock it