Michael Owen has signed a new-five year contract with Liverpool.
The deal was revealed ten minutes before the kick-off at Anfield on Saturday as Owen was presented with the Carling player of the year trophy for last season.
Owen's stunning England exploits during the summer had created considerable interest among top European clubs.
Owen signed a five-year deal during last season, but Liverpool made it very clear that they were going to re-negotiate that contract very quickly to take into account their 18 year-old superkid's new status.
Owen said: "I had a clause in my last contract which said that I could re-negotiate when I had played for England in a competitive international.
"I have spoken to the board recently and am pleased to have extended my contract until 2003.
"As I have said all along, all I want to do is focus on my football and hopefully help bring more silverware back to Anfield." The new deal will almost certainly have doubled his wages, which were reported to have been around £10,000 last season.
Owen's stunning contribution to England's World Cup campaign, and the breathtaking solo goal he scored against Argentina, have jettisoned him to world fame.
There is no doubt that Liverpool have had to upgrade the Chester born star's agreement to take into account the massive change in his position at the club.