Hyypia started his career with Finnish side MyPa-47

Sami Hyypia has agreed an extension to his Liverpool deal, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2009 season.

The 34-year-old Finnish defender, who had been linked with a move, will enter his 10th season at Anfield.

"I would have had options to go elsewhere but everything has been great and I have enjoyed everything here," Hyypia told the club website.

"I have a good relationship with everyone at the club, so it would have been a big wrench for me to leave."

Hyypia, who has 90 international caps, signed for Liverpool in May 1999 from Dutch side Willem II for �2.6m.

He shared the Reds captaincy with Robbie Fowler in 2000-01 while Jamie Redknapp recovered from a long-term injury.

During that season, Hyypia and Fowler led Liverpool to a historic cup treble of the Worthington Cup, FA Cup and Uefa Cup, under the stewardship of Gerard Houllier.

"It's not so common for a foreign player in this country to spend 10 years at one club so I am delighted to stay with this great club," he added.

"I will keep working hard and keep myself fit and whenever the manager needs me I will be there.

"We will see what next year brings."