Liverpool Football Club is delighted to announce that defender Martin Kelly has committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new contract.
The 22-year-old put pen to paper on the deal on Friday afternoon and shortly after signing, he told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’m delighted to have signed. It means everything to me and my family. I’ve been at Liverpool since I was seven, so it’s in my heart and I love the club.
“When you play in the Liverpool shirt, you have to show the fans what it means. I just love playing and trying my hardest for the supporters and for my family.
“Being a Liverpool supporter myself, it’s brilliant to put the shirt on and I’m doing what I have loved doing since I was a kid. I’m over the moon.
“Today shows the faith that the club have in me and that the hard work I have put in since I was young has paid off. Hopefully I’ll put the injuries behind me. We have excellent medical staff here, who are going to work me and keep me on top of my injury. I’ll be coming back even stronger.”
Born in Whiston, Kelly is a product of the Academy and has notched 54 appearances since making his full debut against Lyon in October 2009 during a UEFA Champions League group-stage game.
One of the highlights of the young full-back’s career so far came in November 2011 when he nodded his first Liverpool goal at Stamford Bridge in the Carling Cup quarter-final.
He travelled to Euro 2012 with England having made his debut as a substitute in a friendly with Norway in May last year.
Kelly joins the likes of Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling, who have all signed new contracts at Anfield since the arrival of Brendan Rodgers.
“It’s fantastic news and it runs on from various other players who have committed to us,” Liverpool’s managing director Ian Ayre said. “I think everybody has been starting to see and enjoy Martin’s potential and the work he has showed to get into the first team and these are the things we are looking for.
“He was very unfortunate to get his injury but he has worked very hard with the physios and the medical team and hopefully we’ll see him back soon. Signing him up for the long term is very important for us.”
