Hyypia agrees new deal

Defender set to stay at Anfield until 2009

Last updated: 5th April 2008

Hyypia Sami

Hyypia: Extended stay

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Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has agreed a deal to stay at Anfield until the summer of 2009.

The 34-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season, is now set to complete a decade at Anfield after moving to Merseyside from Willem II in 1999.

Hyypia, who was thought to be a target of Bolton, told the club's official website: "I am very happy to have agreed a new deal. This is a great club with fantastic supporters, so I'm delighted."

And manager Rafa Benitez expects Hyypia to be an ideal role model for young defenders such as Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger.

"This is great news for the club," said Benitez.

"Sami has a lot to offer. He is a fantastic professional who is an example to all young footballers. He understands the game and is clever. All these things mean he can help other players.

"He has shown this year how important he is to us on the pitch and he can continue to do that next season."