Gerrard signs long-term deal to stay at Liverpool

Gerrard scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot (GETTY IMAGES)

Steven Gerrard yesterday committed the rest of his career to Liverpool by signing a new long-term contract that will eventually see him become an ambassador for the club.

Less than 24 hours after scoring the winning goal in the Carling Cup semi-final first-leg victory at Manchester City, Gerrard gave a further show of support for manager Kenny Dalglish.

"The contract extension coming the day after has been the icing on the cake so it has been a perfect 24 hours," said the 31-year-old. "It's a very proud day for myself and my family. This is the club I love and this is the club I have supported since I was a young boy. I am living the dream as captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I love coming to work every day and the experiences I have had since I was eight years of age and first signed for the club. To extend that and to hopefully have some more good times in a red shirt is what I want.

"There will be more highs and lows, there's no doubt about it," Gerrard added. "I'm confident moving forward that the club is going in the right direction. We've got a fantastic team, we've got the right owners in place and the right team behind our team. It's really flattering for me that the club have offered me the chance to stay when I eventually hang my boots up. Hopefully that will be in many years to come because I want to play for as long as I can.

"I'll know myself when it's time to hang my boots up and then hopefully I can stay involved with the club and set the right example for youngsters coming through."