Adam Lallana has said that it would have been impossible for him to turn down Roberto De Zerbi’s offer of a new contact.
The 34-year-old has hailed his Italian coach as being ‘right up there’ with Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino among managers he has worked with.
“When being asked to extend there were two key factors I considered,” Adam said. “Firstly, can I still contribute and add value?
“To know how much the club itself wanted me to stay was very touching. I know how smart and strategic these guys are. To know the value they placed on what I can bring and it really meant a lot.
“Secondly, it was the club itself. From top to bottom this place is a beacon of good practice, and I want to be a part of it.
“The owner is a genius and his leadership team - like Paul Barber and David Weir - are making decisions all the time in the best interests of the team and club.
“Then of course there is our manager, Mr De Zerbi. The faith he’s shown in me personally I don’t think I could do justice in words to be honest, but I’ll try.
“He is special, really special. I’ve been blessed to work with great managers in my career and this guy is right up there.
“He teaches, he inspires, he makes teams and individuals better. He’s the full package. When he said he wanted me to stay longer there was no way I could turn that down.”