Source: Telegraph
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez signs Anfield contract until 2014
After months of tortured negotiations that have seen the contract redrafted at least eight times, Benitez and the American co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, finally agreed terms yesterday afternoon. [LNB]The removal of chief executive Rick Parry, who leaves in May, is understood to have been the key in persuading Benitez to extend a relationship that began in 2004.[LNB] Related ArticlesGerrard does not fear English rivals[LNB]Cesc Fabregas and the death of the club blazer[LNB]Top 10: Footballing 'spats'[LNB]Liverpool saga deepens with Rick Parry to leave club in summer[LNB]Rafa Benitez ready to seal new Liverpool deal after taking care of backroom men[LNB]Tom Hicks expected to watch Chelsea clash[LNB]Parry's exit was announced just after the first leg of the Champions League tie with Real Madrid, and once the second leg and the Premier League visit to Manchester United were completed with handsome victories, Benitez decided to end the uncertainty. [LNB]The deal was closed with a series of faxes and telephone conversations between the Spaniard's advisers and the Americans. Frustration at Benitez's prevarication has been growing, with some connected with the club suspecting he was holding out for an offer from Real Madrid.[LNB]Benitez has repeatedly used the contract negotiations to enhance his position at Anfield. He has often raised the stakes, twice publicly rejecting contract offers on the eve of crucial league matches since January.[LNB]He has also quibbled over detail, demanding that the contract be paid in euros, then sterling, and seeking a clause that allows him to leave if the club is sold and he does not like the new owners.[LNB]'My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal,'' Benitez said last night. '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.'[LNB]'It is wonderful news that Rafa has made a long-term commitment to the football club,'' said Hicks. Gillett said: 'With Rafa continuing to manage the team, we can look forward to more great football and success on the pitch.'[LNB]
