New Reds deal for Henderson
Liverpool vice-captain Jordan Henderson has committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new five-year contract.
The 24-year-old England international has become a central part of manager Brendan Rodgers’ team over the last two years and is expected to take over the armband from Steven Gerrard when he leaves for Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer.
#LFC are delighted to announce @JHenderson has signed a new long-term contract with the club. http://t.co/IJmAmFb05l pic.twitter.com/Jo7aoEqS6S
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 23, 2015
Henderson was approaching the last 12 months of his existing deal but there was never any real doubt, as captain-elect, he would not extend his stay and it is believed his new contract will take him through to 2020.
Midfielder Henderson said: ``There has been talk about it for a while now. I'm over the moon that it's finally done.
“It’s brilliant news for me to commit my future to this football club – I really feel that it’s a good time for us to look forward to the future, with the squad we’ve got, the manager, the size of the club and the fans we’ve got. I really think, over the next few years, we can challenge and start winning trophies.
The 24-year-old has committed his future to #LFC by penning the deal at Melwood today. http://t.co/IJmAmFb05l pic.twitter.com/rpkQoyi7DB
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 23, 2015
“That’s the next phase; we’ve improved massively over the last few years, and I think the next phase for us is to start challenging for titles and trophies as well.”
Manager Brendan Rodgers believes Henderson signing a new contract should be taken as a sign that the future is bright at Anfield after a disappointing few weeks which has seen their top-four challenge falter and their FA Cup hopes end with defeat to Aston Villa in Sunday’s Wembley semi-final.
Rodgers told liverpoolfc.com: “Jordan is a brilliant professional and his dedication to his career and football in general makes him a role model to all young players.
“He has faced adversity in his time at Liverpool, but his improvement, growth and development is entirely down to his own hunger, commitment and willingness to learn and be better.
“The fact he has made such a long-term commitment to Liverpool is a sign of his belief in what we are looking to do here.
“He will have a crucial role to play as we look to take this side forward and look to add success to the progress we have made.
“I am very excited about our future and what this group can achieve together; today’s announcement is another important positive step forward.
“The owners are committed to creating a team that can grow, improve and ultimately win together.
“We have seen some very important contract renewals this season and I’m confident, under (chief executive) Ian Ayre’s stewardship, we will see further commitments made and more exciting talent secured and added to our squad.”
