Gerrard staying at Liverpool

Liverpool have announced that Steven Gerrard has committed himself to the club for the coming season - despite high-profile interest from Chelsea.

The midfielder revealed that he had thought seriously about leaving Anfield but, on his return from England action in Euro 2004, the Reds captain has made it clear that he is 100 percent focused on leading the Merseysiders forward.

The latest meeting with chief executive Rick Parry brought a positive response from Gerrard, who will be playing under a new manager next season in the shape of Rafa Benitez.

"I'd like to say the last three or four weeks have been very confusing for me," stressed Gerrard.

"I've been involved in a major tournament and that's the reason why I've been really quiet about my future.

"I haven't been happy with the progression of the club in the last three or four years, as I've made clear in the media, and, for the first time in my career, I thought about the possibility of moving on to a different club.

"But, after coming home from Euro 2004, sitting down with my family and also asking Rick Parry for a fourth meeting in two months, and having time with my agent, close family, dad and girlfriend, I've decided I'm staying on at Liverpool.

"I am 100 percent committed to this football club.

"A lot of things have been going through my head, and I will admit the possibility of leaving was one of these, but I've gone with the decision that was in my heart.

"I love the club and the supporters and that's what it boiled down to at the end of the day."

Parry also insisted the decision was purely down to the player.

"It's very important that Stevie has the opportunity to explain his decision to our supporters," he stated.

"I've said many times that we didn't want to sell Stevie and would do our utmost to persuade him to stay but this is his decision through and through.

"He's made the decision with his heart."