Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has agreed a deal to stay at Anfield until the summer of 2009.

The 34-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season, is now set to join a select band of players to stay at the club for a decade.

Hyypia told the club's official website: "I am very happy to have agreed a new deal. This is a great club with fantastic supporters, so I'm delighted."

Hyypia has so far made 440 appearances since arriving on Merseyside from Willem II back in 1999.

Manager Rafael Benitez expects that number to keep rising next season and claims Hyypia is the best possible role model for young defenders such as Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger.

"This is great news for the club," said the Spaniard.

"Sami has a lot to offer. He is a fantastic professional who is an example to all young footballers. He understands the game and is clever. All these things mean he can help other players.

"He has shown this year how important he is to us on the pitch and he can continue to do that next season."