London - Rafael Benitez on Wednesday signed a four-year contract extension at Liverpool, ending speculation that he was set to quit.

The Spaniard's present deal expires at the end of next season, but he is now contracted to the club until 2014.

An initial contract offer was rejected in January by Benitez because it did not give him full control over transfer policy.

"My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal," he said.

"I love the club, the fans and the city, and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time, and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool."

He thanked the team owners for "their hard work" in completing the deal.

"All of us at the club want the same thing, which is to be successful by winning major trophies," Benitez said.

It is unknown whether Benitez has been granted total control over transfer policy, but the announcement earlier this month that Rick Parry, the club's chief executive, is to leave in the summer strengthens Benitez's hand. (dpa)