Martin Skrtel Signs New Contract with Liverpool

Martin Skrtel has signed a new contract with Liverpool, one month after talks "hit a snag" due to a clause that dictated he might need to play 80 percent of matches to receive his full salary, per the club.

"Martin Skrtel will put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at Liverpool next week," reported Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo on June 3. "The defender has already agreed the deal in principle, with the details set to be finalised upon his return to pre-season training on Monday."

The news brings an end to a summer of uncertainty after James Cambridge of the Daily Mail claimed on June 20 Skrtel wasn't happy about reports of a new deal, saying fans were duped by a fake Facebook profile that reported an agreement had been reached.

Skrtel also criticised Liverpool's initial contract offer, telling Aktualne on June 4 (h/t Elliott Bretland of MailOnline):

"

It's unacceptable for me. I think that such contracts are offered to players who are much older than me or players who have had some health problems.

The contract, which was presented to me, makes me uneasy, so I did not sign it. There has been some speculation about the interest of other clubs for my person, but they are currently being addressed.

"

Skrtel has started over 30 Premier League games in four of his last five seasons with Liverpool, becoming a key defender in Brendan Rodgers' lineup. He isn't a player beset with injury or fitness problems.

The 30-year-old's main qualities are instinctive. He is an aggressive winner of the ball both on the ground and in the air.

While he is prone to leaving gaps in defence when he steps forward to win possession, a combination of the right team-mates around him can amplify the former Zenit St. Petersburg player's quality. He offers physical power and passion but needs to be partnered with a smart reader of the game.

Rodgers would have been brave to let Skrtel leave, particularly after waving goodbye to Daniel Agger prior to the 2014-15 campaign. The Reds need all the experience they can muster heading into the new season, which will once again task the Merseyside club with landing a spot in the Champions League.

Skrtel had one year left on his deal but has decided to extended his stay in Anfield.