Suarez Reveals Reasons for Signing New Liverpool Contract

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez says the backing of the club's support in the wake of a series of controversial episodes persuaded him to pen a new long-term deal at Anfield.

Suarez has scored 17 goals in 11 games this season after returning from a 10 match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, an incident which threatened to end his career on Merseyside.

In the summer, Suarez demanded to leave Liverpool on numerous occasions and Arsenal had two bids rejected for his services and Brendan Rodgers stood firm.

Despite a series of indiscretions, Suarez has been welcomed back with open arms by Liverpool fans while his form this season has inspired the club to second in the Premier League and within two points of leaders Arsenal.

"I am delighted to have agreed a new deal with Liverpool and have my future secured for the long term," said Suarez.

"We have some great players and the team is growing and improving all the time. I believe I can achieve the ambitions of winning trophies and playing at the very highest level with Liverpool. My aim is to help get us there as quickly as possible.

"Without doubt the backing I have received from the Liverpool fans has influenced my decision. I am so proud to represent them and go out to do my best for them every time I pull on the shirt.

"We have a special relationship; they have love for me and in return I love them back. I will always do my best for them and hopefully we can achieve success together."

The two year extension which runs until 2018 is worth a reported £200,000-a-week and makes Suarez the highest paid player in Liverpool history and reaffirms his status as one of the most sought-after players on the continent.

Rodgers added: "This is fantastic news for everyone associated with the club; the team, the owners and most importantly the supporters.

"Luis is a world-class talent and securing his services is crucial for what we are trying to achieve here.

"What's most important and most exciting is that, at just 26 years old, his best years are still ahead of him and we now know we'll be seeing him reach that potential in a Liverpool shirt."