Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle’s leadoff man, signed a five-year contract that will earn him $90 million three days after he was named MVP of the All-Star game.

"Getting to play for one team their entire (Major League) career is not something many players get to do," Ichiro said at a news conference. "Having that choice made me happy."

The agreement that makes the Japanese one of the highest paid players in baseball will keep the talented outfielder with the American League team until the end of the 2012 season when he will turn 39.

Negotiations began in January, and when asked whose advice he valued most throughout negotiations, he said, "Ikky, my dog."

 "He said, 'Ruff, ruff, ruff,'" a smiling Suzuki said through an interpreter. "That means, 'Stay, stay, stay.'"

"Now, I have the opportunity to be on one team for a long time. And I am grateful for that," Suzuki said at a press conference.

"I'm going to do my best to play 10 more years here."
Ichiro moved to the U.S. in 2001 after playing nine years for the Orix Blue Wave in Japan's Pacific League. When the Blue Wave posted him after the 2000 season, Ichiro rights were won by Seattle and he signed a contract with the Mariners.

He became the first Japanese-born everyday position player in the Major Leagues. He immediately established himself as one of the premier players in the Major Leagues, surpassing his accomplished career in Japan.

His most impressive offensive season was 2004, when he set several MLB records, including a new all-time, single-season Major League record with 262 hits. Ichiro, equipped with one of the strongest and most accurate throwing arms in the league, is generally recognized as one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball.

He has won a Gold Glove award in each of his first six years in the majors, all six as an outfielder.

Ichiro is the first MLB player to join The Golden Players Club. He was also voted the 2007 All Star Game MVP, going three for three and hitting the event's first ever inside the park home run.