Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has signed a new six-year contract at Anfield. The 27-year-old has been in outstanding form this season and one of the club's most consistent performers since his arrival from Villarreal in 2005.
The new agreement, which replaces Reina's previous contract, commits the Spaniard to the club until 2016 and could extend his spell at Anfield to an impressive 11 years.
It's probably the best news of my life that I'll be here for the next six years. Me and my family are really happy here.
Liverpool goalkeeper Jose 'Pepe' Reina.
"I'm delighted to sign a new contract," Reina told the club's official website. "It's probably the best news of my life that I'll be here for the next six years. My family and I are really happy here.
"To play for Liverpool is very special. I've been here for five years and now I will be here for six more. It's very exciting. It's very important that my family love it here as well, as family life is just as important as my career."
"My wife told me from the beginning she was more than happy here. My kids enjoy it and they have picked up the Scouse accent already. I am really proud of that. In the years ahead they will speak much more Scouse too," quipped Reina.
Reina's deal is further good news for the club after last night's UEFA Europa League quarter-final victory over Benfica at Anfield. It also follows new long-term contracts for Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger and Yossi Benayoun in the past 12 months.
Reina arrived at Anfield in a £6million deal just weeks after Jerzy Dudek had earned a place in club folklore with his heroics in 2005 UEFAChampions League final penalty shoot-out victory.
He took over from Dudek and made his own name with penalty saves in shoot-outs in the 2006 FA Cup final and 2007 Champions League semi-finals. He has since established himself as one of the leading goalkeepers in the world although he remains second choice in his national side behind Real Madrid's Iker Casillas.
Reina came through the youth ranks at Barcelona and goalkeeping is in his blood. His father Miguel played in the position for both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
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