National captain Yossi Benayoun has spoken of his delight after becoming the highest paid Israeli sportsman of all time, after committing to Liverpool until 2013.

Benayoun, 29, signed a new contract on Monday, agreeing a two-year extension on top of the two years remaining on his existing deal.

With earnings in the region of £75,000, he surpasses Tal Ben Haim as the highest paid Israeli sportsman. He has become the fourth highest paid earner at Liverpool after Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Jamie Carragher and on par with Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt.

Having been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs including Real Madrid, Benayoun said: “I am very happy we have reached an agreement. To be at a club like this is a dream come true and I want to keep playing here.

“Hopefully, now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware.”
The midfielder scored nine goals in 42 matches last season as Liverpool finished second in the league and reached the last eight of the Champions League.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez said: “Yossi has been really good for us over the last year, scoring crucial goals and getting assists, so we wanted to keep him and I’m really pleased with the extension.”