Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2019/20 season.
The 32-year-old’s contract on Merseyside was due to expire at the end of June, when the current campaign should have been well and truly over.
However, with football around the world halted for months due to the coronavirus, many Premier League players have been left in limbo as the season now won’t finish until the back end of July.
Adam Lallana has agreed a short-term extension that will see him complete the remainder of the 2019-20 season with the club?
— Liverpool FC (at?) (@LFC) June 9, 2020
Lallana, though, is not going anywhere just yet, with the club announcing on their official website that he has agreed to stay, much to the delight of manager Jurgen Klopp.
He said: “I know how much interest Adam is at the moment from other clubs who want him for next season, so it’s a commitment for him and we’re very grateful to him. are
“It should be just as well, as I am delighted that he will be with us to finish this season and give him the farewell that he so richly deserves. For me during my time as manager of this club, Adam It is not possible to find words in the English language to accurately describe the significance of Lalana.
Jurgen Klopp is delighted with Lallana’s continued professionalism. / Chris Brunskill / Fantasy / Getty Images
“But, to be honest, now is not the time for those words. Because of this news – that he will stay until we finish this campaign – I can say all the things I want. And it’s needed as our season ends next month.
Lallana also expressed his delight at being able to finish the campaign with Liverpool, although he admitted that some of the time will be used to say goodbye to key people around the club.
“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to finish this season – it means a lot to me and my family,” Lallana added. “Now is not the time to review my time here as the focus needs to be on the remaining nine games and finishing the season in the best possible way for the club.
“Of course, one of the big personal positives about committing to this short-term extension is that I will now be saying goodbye to people who have meant so much to me in the right way.
“The gaffer has been a different class and we’ve had an honest conversation about what my role will be in the remaining weeks. I want to contribute in the most positive way that helps him and the team, not just this season. for the remainder of the matches – but also what they will need to consider for the next one.