Luis Suarez signs new long-term contract with Liverpool Principal owner John W. Henry made it clear he would never sell Suárez to a Premier League revival, and any clause in Suárez's deal is sure to echo that stance. Equally, Liverpool set a valuation nearer to £70 million last summer. An agreement at this stage of the season is mutually beneficial to all parties, creating a sense of buoyancy at Anfield that a world-class player has been retained, rewarding Suárez for his extraordinary form, and ensuring any future bids will not lead to a repeat of the dispute between the South American and the club that soured last summer. With Liverpool currently in a Champions League position, the next priority is to satisfy the club's and the player's ambition by getting back into the European elite. Suárez, who despite his controversial on-field persona has always been one of the most popular players at the club, made it clear how influential his family was in the decision. It is known his wife, Sofia, is particularly settled on Merseyside and this will have played a role in negotiations, too. "When you extend your contract, you extend it because you want to stay here for the future," said Suárez. I signed not only for two-and-a-half more years, but I signed for a long time to stay here and I am so happy. When you are happy, you try everything for the best for the future. I spoke a lot with my family because my family are very important to me and they are happy here. We spoke over the last few weeks with the club and everything is okay. I don't have a problem; the club don't have a problem, so it's very good. I am delighted to have agreed a new deal with Liverpool and have my future secured for the long term. 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. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who has appointed Suárez as the club captain in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard, said: "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. For principal owner Henry, Fenway Sports Group and Ayre, the negotiations are a victory given how Suárez wanted to leave six months ago. Henry said: "We are committed to working hard to keep our best players and this is an indication that we are moving in the right direction and moving at a pace that impresses one of the best players in world football." Tom Werner, the Liverpool chairman, added: "This demonstrates our commitment, as an ownership group, to building a team that competes at the highest level both in the Barclays Premier League and in Europe. Our primary motive is to do what is best for Liverpool Football Club and today's news is another significant step forward on this journey.