Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert admits he did not think he would be able to keep hold of Fabian Delph.
The West Midlands club today announced a four-and-a-half-year contract extension for the 25-year old midfielder whose initial deal was set to expire in the summer.
The signing comes at a time when Liverpool were believed to be showing significant interest in the former Leeds United man and Lambert indicated that he felt all hope was lost for Villa retaining the services of the four-time England international.
"When you get someone like Fabian - who might have had the possibility of going elsewhere to pastures new - to have him commit is a massive, massive coup for us," Lambert told the club's official website.
"No-one expected it. I think everyone thought Fabian was going to go and we would have to get someone else in.
"I don't think anyone saw this coming.
"But it's been something we've been trying to do, as I have always said.
"It's great for Aston Villa. It's great for Fabian. I think this is a massive, massive step."
