Kelly signs new Liverpool contract
Liverpool defender Martin Kelly signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League club on Friday.
Kelly, 22, is currently sidelined due to a knee ligament injury, but the England international has been rewarded for his impressive displays at full-back earlier this season.
The day after teammate Jamie Carragher announced he will retire at the end of the season, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admitted it was gratifying to see another Liverpool-born product of the club's youth academy commit his future to the Reds.
"Martin has shown a commitment to our vision here. He is a young player who really impressed me when I came in," Rodgers said.
"He was exceptionally good in the games he played earlier in the season."
Kelly, who injured his knee in the 2-1 home defeat against Manchester United in September, admitted he was relieved to have secured his long-term future at Liverpool.
"I'm delighted to sign. It means everything to me and my family," he said.
"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."
Kelly, who has made 54 appearances for Liverpool since making his debut in 2009, added: "Being a Liverpool supporter myself, it's brilliant to put the shirt on.
"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."
