Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has revealed his delight after signing a new contract with the club.

The Slovakian international put pen to paper on a new deal on Friday, and the centre-back said that staying at Anfield was always his priority.

Skrtel told the club's official website: "It is great for me and my family because we have spent seven-and-a-half years in Liverpool and in that time we have fallen in love with the city and the people. Our son was born in Liverpool.

"I can say the same about the club, the supporters and the people working for the club. To have the deal with Liverpool is a great thing for me and my family.

"It was [an] easy [decision]. My priority was always to have a deal with Liverpool. I'm happy we have got the deal and have agreed everything and I've signed the deal."

Skrtel was signed from Zenit St Petersburg in January 2008.