Tags: 

The Slovakian international defender Martin Skrtel has extended his stay with the Merseyside club Liverpool after signing a new contract with the team. The future of the 27-year-old has been under intense speculation after the player admitted that he would like to move to a new team that offers Champions League football.

Liverpool last participated in the Premier European competition back in 2009. They are not favourites to finish in the top four this time around as well. As a result, the 27-year-old has been linked with a lot of clubs including the Champions Manchester city.

However, he has put an end to all this speculation by signing a new contract with the club. The player had only two years left on his current deal, but it was thought that the Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was keen on extending the contract of the player. Another Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has also been linked with a move away from the club. Martin Skrtel was a £ 6 million signing from Zenit St Petersburg four years ago. He has grown into one of the formidable defenders in the country due to his performance as in the last few seasons.

"I'm happy because I am a part of one of the biggest clubs in the world. After last season there was a lot of talk about my future - but I have to say that the first priority for me was always to sign a new deal with Liverpool. For me it's a great thing to play for Liverpool. I am proud to play for Liverpool with these great players - probably some of the best players in the world. I hope I can create history at this club and that the fans will always remember me,” said Martin Skrtel after signing his new deal.