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General Sports News

Torres deal boosts Reds

Author: Rose Young
Date: 29/05/2009

Fernando Torres has signed a new long-term contract to keep him at Liverpool until the summer of 2013, with an option for a further 12 months also agreed.

The 25-year-old Spain ace has been an unqualified success since moving to Anfield from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2007, scoring 50 goals in 84 appearances for the Reds to date.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez told the club's official website: "Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game today and, at his age, can only get better.

"Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club."

Elsewhere in football, Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has signed a new five-year contract to keep him with the Citizens until the summer of 2014.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a superb season for City, scoring 13 goals in all competitions and has been rewarded for his efforts with a bumper new deal.

Meanwhile, Kaka has once again pledged his future to AC Milan following a fresh wave of speculation linking him with a summer move to Real Madrid.

The Brazil star is believed to be Florentino Perez's number one transfer target should the high-profile former president return to office at Real Madrid following next month's elections.

But Kaka, who is continually linked with the Spanish giants, claims he has no intention of leaving the Rossoneri.

When asked about the latest reports, the former world player of the year replied: "I have always said that I feel really good at Milan."

In rugby union, Australia back-row forward Rocky Elsom has decided to leave European champions Leinster to return to his homeland.

The 26-year-old had only been with the Irish side for one season, but has been tempted to head home by the prospect of regaining a place in the Wallabies set-up.

Leeds Carnegie have signed Samoa winger Henry Fa'afili on a two-year contract from French club Biarritz.

The 28-year-old, who played rugby league for New Zealand earlier in his career, is excited about the prospect of trying his luck with the Guinness Premiership newcomers.

Australia batsman Mike Hussey expects Andrew Flintoff to be fit and firing for the Ashes series later this summer.

The 31-year-old is currently sidelined due to a knee injury and will sit out the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 on home soil.

However, Hussey believes that England's all-round talisman will be back in action by the time the Test series gets underway.

Sussex have allowed spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed to give up his duties with the county to focus on his job with England.

The 38-year-old former Pakistan leg-spinner has impressed as part of England's backroom staff in recent times and is set for a crucial role in the build-up to the Ashes series later this summer.

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