Martin Skrtel Signs New Contract With Liverpool FC, Hopes to Enjoy Continued Success at Anfield

Martin Skrtel committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new long-term contract on Monday — and immediately declared his ambition to become an Anfield legend.

The 27-year-old — voted LFC's Player of the Season last term — put his signature next to that of managing director Ian Ayre at Melwood following today's training session.

He then told Liverpoolfc.com that signing a new deal at Anfield was his first priority this summer.

"I'm happy because I am a part of one of the biggest clubs in the world," said Skrtel.

"After last season there was a lot of talk about my future but I have to say that the first priority for me was always to sign a new deal with Liverpool.

"For me it's a great thing to play for Liverpool. I am proud to play for Liverpool with these great players — probably some of the best players in the world.

"I hope I can create history at this club and that the fans will always remember me — that's my target for the future."

Skrtel was signed from Zenit in January 2008 and has made 175 appearances for the Reds to date.

He and his family are happy with their life away from the pitch, and the Slovakian international is confident new boss Brendan Rodgers can ensure he stays equally content with matters on it.

"I have been here almost four and a half years and I have enjoyed that time here — myself and also my family," said Skrtel. "So there were no questions about whether to stay or to leave.

"A lot of things have changed, a new manager has come. I think we can start to make history and I want to be a part of that history.

"We have our target. For this season it is the top four and I hope we can do it. Then we will see.

"I think Brendan Rodgers showed his quality with Swansea and now he's carrying on doing that at Liverpool. He's showed he's a great manager and I hope we can play better football than we did in the last seasons and I hope we can get our target."

Skrtel has established himself as one of the Barclays Premier League's top defenders over the past two seasons and helped Liverpool record the third best defensive record in the division during 2011-12 despite the eighth placed finish.

"You can always play better," he added.

"I can say the last two seasons were really good for me — probably the best two seasons of my career. If I can repeat the performances of the last two years this season I can be happy."

Photo via Liverpoolfc.com