Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez has signed a new contract to keep him at Camp Nou until 2012.
Defender thrilled to sign new contract
Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez has signed a new contract to keep him at Camp Nou until 2012.
The Mexico international's previous deal was due to expire next summer, leading to speculation he could move to the United States.
But Barca have agreed an extension with him and he will continue his career with the Spanish champions after joining from Monaco in 2003.
Marquez was thrilled to pledge his long-term future to the Champions League holders.
"I am pleased to renew my contract at the club where I feel very loved," Marquez told the club's
official website.
"[I have to] rediscover my best form in order to try to get back into the first team, although the competition is tough. I believe I still have a lot of chances to be in the starting XI."
President Joan Laporta was equally delighted to have secured the services of someone he considers "an iconic player".
"[He is] a man who has always been committed to the team and the club and has shown a great respect for the club. I think he is one of the great defenders in the history of FC Barcelona," said Laporta.
Marquez is the eighth player to commit his future to the club in recent months, following in the footsteps of Yaya Toure, Victor Valdes, Pedro, Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal and Andres Iniesta.
