Alonso Signs For Five More Years

Xabi is going nowhere he's just extended his contract.
Taken from the official site.Liverpool FC.tv
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156124070608-0828.htm

Xabi Alonso has become the fourth Liverpool player this week to sign a new contract at Anfield after penning a deal which will keep him at the club until 2012.

With Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina already signed up on long term deals, Alonso's decision to resist offers from abroad is another major boost for manager Rafael Benitez as he plans for the future.   "I knew there was interest from other clubs but it was always my idea to stay here," said Alonso. "I have been here for three seasons now and have such special feelings for the club and the supporters. I understand what Liverpool FC means to so many people. It is such a special club and I just didn't want to leave.   "We agreed that the talks would take place after the Champions League final and, to be honest, in the end it was a simple decision for me because I could see right away that the attitude of the club towards me was spot on. I greatly appreciate all the hard work that Rick Parry has put in on this contract and the faith that Rafa Benitez has shown in me. We all wanted to reach an agreement and we're all happy with the outcome.   "I want to be part of what lies ahead because I know it is going to be exciting. I've signed for another five years and there's no reason why we can't be successful.   "It's also good news to see that other players have signed new contracts this week. Stevie, Carra and Pepe are all big players for us and it's great they have all shown their commitment. I'm sure the manager will be bringing in new players as well and that the new owners will be making a big effort to improve the squad."   After representing his country in Euro 2008 qualifiers over the past week Alonso is now looking forward to a well earned summer break - but he admits he's already dreaming about what next season may hold for the club.   "I'm really excited because I think we can achieve big things," he added. "Hopefully we won't make the same mistakes next season as we did last season and we can win some more games. We want to be challenging for the top teams.   "Even though I'm looking forward to a holiday and a rest I can't wait for next season to begin."   The Spanish midfielder is also relishing the prospect of fighting for his place following Javier Mascherano's successful start to his Liverpool career in the centre of the field.   "It's great to have competition and I am ready to fight for my place," he said. "The more top quality players we have then the better the level of the team will be. I'm confident I can play a lot of minutes on the pitch and keep the confidence of the manager."

I personally think it is very good news, yes he had a very indifferent season but from what I had seen in previous ones leads me to believe there may be quite a bit more to come from Xabi. Of course the focus will now turn to Momo as he was also rumoured to be on his way out, and with an embarrassing wealth of central midfielders surely Rafa cant keep all of them happy?, or on the other hand do you think Rafa will keep them all and just stick to his rotation policy?

Great news, even better than Carra, Stevie & Pepe's contracts cos everyone expected those to be signed. Locking his thread in transfer speculation is going to be a very enjoyable task.

eddie i actually agree with you for a change i think its great bit of dealing by parry for a change!

Great news getting the core of the side signed up now we need to start buying.

so pleased by that news to be honest i thought we were going to lose his this summer or use him as some part exchange but you need to keep hold of all your class players and he's one of them.

Brilliant

So much good news I feel like I'm dreaming!!

excellent news...Xabi is one of the best passers of the ball and probably has the most vision of any of our players on the pitch....great business....tying these 4 up for the long haul....just not sure if that means any chance we have of getting Eto'o is now gone

i don't think it wil ruin the chance for Eto just won't be a swap deal and we will have to pay through our ars*s lmao to get him

Brilliant news, dont have to change my screensaver now 

Excellent stuff, i felt for sure he was gonna leave, a bit of a midfield battle going on next year then with alonso, momo, gerrard, masherano and lucas.

This is fantastic news I'm so delighted about that. Alonso is class, and the fact that so many big names are showing commitment to Liverpool might make a big difference for players who think to join the team, seeing player like gerrard, alonso, CARRA signing again send a message loud and clear to any other player that we are here to win win win...attack.. attack.. attack attack attcak

alonso forever