Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina says he wants to commit his long-term future to the club and has given his backing to beleaguered manager Rafael Benitez.
"My aim is to get a new contract in the future," said Reina, 27, whose current deal runs out in 2012. "I want to be here for many years."
The Spain international, who joined from Villarreal in 2005, also played down concerns over Liverpool's form.
Reina, a £6m signing, became an instant club hero by saving three West Ham penalties to help Liverpool win the FA Cup in his first season.
He has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for the club.
"I have some friends here and my wife and kids are happy. I have every reason to stay longer and of course I will."
And Reina believes Benitez is the right man to lead Liverpool forward despite coming under increasing pressure.
Saturday's defeat by Fulham was Liverpool's fifth reverse in 11 league games and sixth loss in seven matches across all competitions - leaving the club nine points off the top of the table.
While acknowledging that the league is the ultimate prize, Reina urged fans and players to get behind a coach who delivered the Champions League and FA Cup in his first two seasons.
"Titles are what we are all here for. As a Liverpool player you have to have these ambitions.
"Trophies are the most important thing and the most important one is probably the Premier League.
"The club was one thing [when Benitez arrived] and now it's something totally different.
"We have grown up and we can still grow up a little bit more."
With Liverpool's title challenge in disarray, the club will look to get their faltering Champions League campaign back on track with a victory in Lyon on Wednesday.
Reina, however, is refusing to give up on any competition.
from: www.bbc.co.uk/sports
Posts
