Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard signs new contract before pleading not guilty over nightclub brawl

03 April 2009 10:37
Steven Gerrard today denied being involved in a nightclub fight. The Liverpool captain formally pleaded not guilty to affray when he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on the same day that his club announced he had signed a two-year contract extension. Gerrard, 28, was accused of being part of a group that injured businessman Marcus McGee, 34, at the Lounge Inn, Southport, in the early hours of December 29 last year. The 28-year-old had two years to run on his current Liverpool deal but has committed to the club until 2013. Manager Rafael Benitez told the club's website: 'This is fantastic news for the club. Steven has once again shown his commitment and it was an easy deal to agree. As soon as we offered him the option he said yes. There were no problems at all. He wants to stay for life. 'This deal sends out another clear message that we are moving forward as a club. To know we have a player of Steven's quality with us for many more years is a great boost for the club and the fans. 'He is clearly a player who inspires those around him and even though he is playing very well at the moment, I still think his best years are ahead of him.' RealMadrid are thought to have recently looked into the possibility ofsigning Gerrard in the summer only to conclude that the Englandmidfielder never wanted to leave Anfield.

Source: Daily_Mail