Kolo Touré has revealed his delight at securing a new contract with Liverpool FC after penning a new one-year deal.

The 34-year-old had looked set to leave Merseyside this summer, with his existing deal running out - but signed a 12-month extension with the Reds on Monday.

The Ivorian says he is more than happy to use his experience to try and help the younger players in Brendan Rodgers' squad.

"It’s fantastic news and I couldn’t ask for more," said the veteran centre-back. "For me, to be able to play for one of the best clubs in the world for longer means a lot to me, so I feel really happy to extend my career at this fantastic club.

"Everything is great for me with the other players, the manager, the club and the fans and I love it here.

"It was my first choice [to sign a new deal], but I took some time to think - I thought about my family, my life and everything because I’ve been in England for a long time.

"But leaving England would be really difficult because my family and wife are here. My kids are really happy, they go to school here and love the country, so I decided it wasn’t right. When you play in the Premier League, it is really special to play every week against some of the best teams in the world. It’s a great thing for me to be here.

"I am in love with the club, with the fans and everybody connected with the club. Liverpool Football Club is a great club and I know all about what it has achieved in the past. As a player, I want to try to win something for the club.

"That’s why it was very important that I stayed here - I enjoy every second I have at this club."

Toure has only enjoyed a cameo role in the Liverpool squad since joining on a free transfer from Manchester City, but added a further 21 appearances in all competitions throughout the last campaign.

Having been a Premier League champion with both Arsenal and City, as well as playing at the highest levels in European and international football, Toure admits he understands that he has a role to play off the pitch as well as on it.

"I am one of the most experienced players in the squad and I have to play that role because we have so many young players," he added. 

"For me, it’s important that I try to help those young players when they need it. I am happy to do that, I like to take on that responsibility, and I enjoy that role.

"The manager has known me for a long time and we’ve been speaking very well together. He knows what I can do on and off the pitch.

"I have won some things in my career, but now I want to help the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and the other young players win something because they are great, great players.

"If I can help them in any way with my experience to achieve things next season, that would be massive for me."