Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has signed a new "long-term" contract, the club have announced.
The 24-year-old England international, who has been out injured for the last month and this week found himself at the centre of a club versus country row over how his training should be managed, scored 21 Premier League goals last season.
Sturridge signed at Anfield from Chelsea for a fee in the region of 12 million pounds in January 2013 and is considered to be a vital member of Brendan Rodgers' side, particularly since Luis Suarez left the club for Barcelona in the summer.
He told the club's official website: "It feels great. It's a big, big day in my life to commit to this club and to give the club my best years, which are ahead of me.
"I am thankful for the opportunity and that is the reason I committed my future. Everyone has been great with me, from the fans to the staff to the players, so it was an easy decision. I'm happy with how everything is going."
#LFC are delighted to confirm that Daniel Sturridge has committed his long-term future to the club #SturridgeLFC pic.twitter.com/SmyOMpbgHX
- Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 3, 2014
Despite an impressive return last term Sturridge firmly believes his best form is still ahead of him and Liverpool's brilliant form in finishing second in the league has spurred him on to secure more success.
"There are a lot of things I'm happy with how they've gone so far, but there is a lot to come,'' he added. "I've not shown yet what I can do -- what I'm doing is just the start for me.
"I may have had some good games and scored some goals, but literally this is the beginning in terms of what I can show.
"I don't feel I've shown really what I can do as a footballer. I am looking forward to the hard work, the training, the games and everything -- and looking forward to the future.
"We were so close to success last season and it was a bitter pill to take not winning the league, but that's just a taster of what the fans will get -- but hopefully this time we'll have the trophies to show for it.
"Everyone is very obsessive in terms of wanting success and being winners. That's what we are -- that's the Liverpool way."