Å krtel signs two-year contract extension with Liverpool

Slovakia defender Martin Å krtel has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at Anfield until 2014.

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez signed the 25-year-old from Zenit St Petersburg for a fee of £6.5 million in 2008. The defender has made 79 appearances since moving to Merseyside.

Å krtel was a vital member of Slovakia’s World Cup squad and his presence at the centre of their defence helped his country reach the knockout stages.

“I’m very pleased,” said Å krtel. “I have been at Liverpool for nearly three years and I really like it here. I like the city, I like the club and I like the fans so I’m happy I am able to sign a new contract.

“Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world so I am proud I can play here for four more years.”

The centre-half highlighted his desire to win a trophy with Liverpool and claim a much sought-after Premier League title.

He added: “We have quality in the dressing room and I know we will do better this year. A club like Liverpool deserves to win trophies and I will help them do that, hopefully this season.

“Everyone plays football to win trophies. Playing for Liverpool is a big motivation for everyone and we will do everything we can to win the Premier League. We have the highest targets – to win everything.”