Lucas Leiva has put pen-to-paper on a new long-term contract with Liverpool.
Despite arriving at Anfield in 2007, it has been this season where the Brazil international has finally established himself as a first-team regular, and manager Kenny Dalglish was delighted to tie up the 24-year-old for the coming years.
Dalglish, whose own future beyond this summer is yet to be confirmed, said: “We are delighted.
“He is a smashing lad to have around the football club but he hasn't been signed for that, he has been signed because of what he does on the pitch.
“Certainly since I came in he has been a great asset to the team and has done tremendously well.
“He's got wee Pedro (his newborn son) to look after and now a new contract as well, and we're delighted for him because he's a really honest, genuine fella and that's reflected in the way he plays.
“He's happy to be here and play for the club and he's getting everything that he deserves at the moment - including being a fixture in the Brazilian team - because of what he's done on the pitch.”