Striker Daniel Sturridge has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool that will keep him at the club until 2019.

The 24-year-old England international, who has been out injured for the last month and this week found himself at the centre of a club versus country row over how his training should be managed, scored 22 league goals last season.

“It feels great. It’s a big day in my life to commit to this club and to give the club my best years, which are ahead of me,” Sturridge told liverpoolfc.com.

“I am thankful for the opportunity and that is the reason I committed my future.

“Everyone has been great with me, from the fans to the staff to the players, so it was an easy decision. I’m happy with how everything is going.”

Despite an impressive return last term Sturridge firmly believes his best form is still ahead of him and Liverpool’s brilliant form in finishing second in the league has spurred him on to secure more success.

“There are a lot of things I’m happy with how they’ve gone so far, but there is a lot to come,” he added.

“I’ve not shown yet what I can do, what I’m doing is just the start for me.

“I may have had some good games and scored some goals, but literally this is the beginning in terms of what I can show.

“I don’t feel I’ve shown really what I can do as a footballer. I am looking forward to the hard work, the training, the games and everything and looking forward to the future.

“We were so close to success last season and it was a bitter pill to take not winning the league, but that’s just a taster of what the fans will get, but hopefully this time we’ll have the trophies to show for it.

“Everyone is very obsessive in terms of wanting success and being winners. That’s what we are – that’s the Liverpool way.”