Liverpool centre-half Joel Matip has signed a new contract, tying him to the Premier League leaders until the summer of 2024.
The 28-year old was a free transfer signing in 2016 following seven-years with the Schalke 04 first team.
Since joining Liverpool, Matip has made 107 appearances and scored five times - most recently in August's 3-1 Premier League win at home to Arsenal.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told the club's website that he's delighted to secure Matip's services for the next four-and-a-half years, "Joel’s journey at Liverpool is one I love and I am absolutely delighted he has shown his commitment to us by signing this new long-term contract.
“As the team has evolved and become better, so too has Joel.
“I said earlier this year that signing a player of his quality is one of the best, incredible pieces of business we’ve done since I started here – and I think now that’s something everyone can see."
Klopp also batted away any initial reservations about the former Cameroon international's consistency, "Joel has been operating as a world-class centre-half throughout this year and long may it continue.
"I haven’t seen many in his position performing with the consistency and quality he has been.
"Obviously here at Liverpool, we’re very lucky to have not only him, but also Virg[il Van Dijk], Dejan [Lovren] and Joe [Gomez] in the position. I’m fortunate to be able to pick from such outstanding talent.
"Off the pitch, Joel is one of the nicest, most humble guys you could wish to meet, but on it he is a fighter, someone who gives everything to try to help the team get the victory. He has a winner’s mentality.
"He loves what he is doing and for us to have him here for even longer is perfect for us all."
Matip has also outlined his reasons for committing his future to the red side of Stanley Park, "There are a lot of things still to achieve. You never know how it will end, you just have to work hard and do the best you can do. Then we will see."
"It is an honour to be a part of the club. It makes me happy that people think I’ve done a good job and they want to keep me."
Matip missed the win over Leicester prior to the international break due to a knock and will be assessed prior to Sunday's Premier League trip to Manchester United.
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