Liverpool have confirmed that defender Dejan Lovren has signed a contract extension, which will see him remain with the Premier League outfit until 2021.

The centre-back joined Jurgen Klopp’s side from Southampton in 2014, and has gone on to make 105 appearances in all competitions, netting four times.

The Croatia international defender revealed his delight upon signing a new contract with the team and said he would like to stay at the club for the foreseeable future.

‘I think this is one special day for me and my family,’ he told his club’s official website.

‘I think I am the happiest guy [in the world] today, it’s another dream come true. It was always my dream to stay as long as possible at one club that I love – and that is Liverpool.

‘After all that happened in the beginning, in the last two seasons I think I’ve done better than in the first season. The club has rewarded me, they believed in me and also the fans, and this is what I respect a lot after everything that happened.

‘I am pleased with everything and I just want to stay here as long as possible and be a part of this family for many, many years to come,’ he added.

The 27-year-old has been instrumental to Liverpool’s top-four aspirations this season, having forged a great partnership in the heart of the defence alongside Joel Matip, with 28 appearances made in the Premier League campaign thus far this season.

‘I am glad I will be a part of this team and this plan for the future.

‘We are a really talented team with many special players, an amazing manager, the club is fantastic [and] the supporters are always behind us even on the bad days, which is the most important thing. I am definitely excited about the future,’ he concluded.

Photo: EPA/Peter Powell