Michael Owen tonight signed a new four-year contract that will make him the highest paid player in Liverpool's history.
The protracted negotiations were concluded just four days after Owen's hamstring injury flared up again and forced him to miss tonight's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev and probably the next four weeks of action for the Merseysiders.
Owen is reputed to now be earning between £60,000 and £80,000 a week and he will now stay with Liverpool until the summer of 2005, at least.
Owen said: "It has never been a thought in my mind about playing for any other club than Liverpool, and I'm obviously delighted to have signed.
"I am only 21 and yet this is my fourth professional contract I have signed with the club.
"They have always been incredibly fair by reviewing contracts early, and this is one of the many reasons there is such loyalty at Liverpool."
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier said: "Michael is obviously going to be a key figure for us in the future and with so many other young players here, this is a side that is going to get better and better."
Owen will be almost 26 when the current contract runs out, and whether he can be persuaded to sign another one then at a really crucial time in his career, will depend a lot on what Liverpool now achieve at Champions League and Premiership level under Houllier.
Houllier added: "This is marvellous for the club and the fans. Michael has repeatedly said he wanted to stay at Liverpool and the fact that he's put pen to paper demonstrates his belief in what we are building here and the vision we have for the club.
"We all know what he's capable of producing and after our success last season, he's hungry for further honours at Anfield." -PA