Jurgen Klopp has admitted that the new contract signed by Roberto Firmino is "unbelievably important" for Liverpool as it may persuade Mohamed Salah to do likewise.
Firmino penned fresh terms at Anfield on Sunday that will reportedly run through until 2023, describing the decision as 'an easy choice'.
Klopp is delighted that the Brazilian forward has decided to extend his stay on Merseyside, and the Reds boss now hopes to see attacking teammate Salah and Liverpool's other star names do likewise.
"It's unbelievably important news for us. Really cool. He feels completely comfortable and is planning for the long-term here," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "That's becoming rare because if you are not Barcelona or not Real Madrid then there's usually another club somewhere you can go to.
"It's really good news for us. He's absolutely a big factor in our future. This is one very important step. Absolutely. But even Roberto cannot play alone. We need to carry on in this way. And in the moment every player knows about our plans. He's the first [to commit] but for sure he won't be the last.
"I heard what Roberto said about it being an easy decision for him and I can really imagine that it was. He knows and appreciates absolutely this club. That's all good and how football should be. You play it because you have the opportunity to make your mates better and they help you to become the best player you can be. It's as simple as that.
"I am happy to have Roberto around - he's just a good boy in the dressing room. It's perfect news. The other boys really respect him for all the work he's doing."
Firmino's five-year contract is said to be worth £45m across its duration.
Daniel Lewis
