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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain commits long-term future to Liverpool

Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has committed his long-term future to the club by penning ...



Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain commit...
Soccer

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain commits long-term future to Liverpool

Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has committed his long-term future to the club by penning a long-term contract.

The England international, who turned 26 last week, started in the Premier League for the first time since April of last year in his side's 2-1 win at St Mary's on Saturday.

Having arrived at Anfield from Arsenal on transfer deadline day in summer 2017, 'The Ox' has seen game time limited after he suffered a serious knee injury in the Champions League semi-final first-leg win over Roma the season before last.

Having put pen to paper, Oxlade-Chamberlain says he is keen to start afresh with the club.

"I’m really, really excited. It’s kind of been talked about for quite a while now. It’s been in the pipeline for a little while, so it’s nice to finally get it done and just extend my time here, which I am really looking forward to.

"I feel like I missed out on a year, which I obviously did, but it’s really exciting for me to be able to sign.

"It’s something that I feel is an opportunity to give that year back and make up for lost time – and hopefully put in some good performances to make amends for not being around last year."

Sadio Mané, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino have all signed new deals in the last 13 months.  Meanwhile, captain Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson have also signed new deals with Jürgen Klopp's team.

The 32-times capped international with England was also full of praise for the Liverpool supporters since his arrival at the club.

"As a footballer, I think the least you can do is respect the fans, the club and who you play for and give them everything you can. When you get the support back that you do, you can't really have any complaints.

"The first time I really noticed that was when we played Sevilla away in the Champions League in my first season. Obviously we were 3-0 up and we drew 3-3. We should never have let that happen and for fans to have taken days off work the next day and spend money to come out there, for them to still applaud us as we walked over, I couldn't believe it.

"That was when I realised: 'These guys are special, this set of supporters are really special.' They give us everything and, at the minute, the team are giving them everything."

His manager Klopp was also full of praise for the Number 15 after the new deal was signed.

"...An absolutely outstanding player and person has shown his belief and commitment to our project here and it’s a deal I think makes sense on both sides.

“I think Ox has said himself it feels to him like he has been here a lot longer than he actually has and that is something I would agree with. I think that’s down to his personality around the place here at Melwood.

"I have said in the past, one of the best things about him is what an outstanding human being he is, one of the nicest guys you will meet. Of course, he is also an outstandingly talented footballer, too."

Oxlade-Chamberlain began his career with Southampton, before making the move to London with Arsenal in August 2011.

He is the son of former Stoke City, Portsmouth and England player Mark Chamberlain.

Liverpool host Arsenal in the Premier League tomorrow evening at 5.30pm.

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