Liverpool star John Arne Riise says the reason why he extended his contract with the Anfield club was because he only wants to play for them.

The Norwegian International has agreed a deal that will see him remain at Anfield until 2007.

"I'm extremely happy. Liverpool is a massive club and it's definitely going in the right direction, so I am pleased to sign the new deal," he said.

"I believe this is the club to play for. Last season we came second and reached the quarter-final of the Champions League. I know we are only going to get better and better and I desperately want to be a part of that."

Riise, who joined the reds from French outfit Monaco 12 months ago says he feels under pressure to keep up the form that he produced in his first season with the Anfield club.

"I know that the second season is always the hardest for any young player, but at this moment I'm not thinking too much about that," he said.

"I'm just working hard in training and trying to get back to top match fitness. It's a very big season. We have set our targets inside the club and we know what we want to do over the coming months."

Riise who has also been very impressed by the French pair Alou Diarra and Bruno Cheyrou .

"They are doing really well. Already in training you can see that they are great players," he said.