Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has hailed Jurgen Klopp's contract extension as the 'most important signing' for years to come.
The Reds boss put pen to paper on Thursday to take his stay at Anfield to at least 2026, a further two years on the original deal that was due to expire in 2024. Aston Villa manager and Liverpool legend Gerrard was among those tipped to replace the German if he was to leave.
Gerrard has been in charge at Villa since November last year, but he couldn't hide his delight at the news and insisted his former club are on the brink of 'something special'.
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He told reporters on Friday: "I think you can tell by the smile. Listen, Liverpool fans worldwide are delighted with the news. Congratulations to Jurgen and his staff.
"I think it will be Liverpool's most important signing for many years to come, that's how highly we all think of him. It's terrific news for Liverpool football club.
"He certainly deserves it, for the way he's performed from a personal point of view. I think the fans have been craving that signing for some time. He's built a world class team and I think they're on the cusp of something really special.
"We can have an influence in that, so that will be interesting when they come to Villa Park. We wish them well outside of that fixture and I think it's totally deserved and it's fantastic news, the most important signing for a very long time at the club."
Liverpool travel to face Gerrard's side on Tuesday, May 10 while the Midlands club also take on Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League season.
