Friday 7 August 2015 15:33, UK
Stoke City defender Marc Muniesa has agreed a new four-year contract with the club.
The Spanish youngster moved to the Britannia Stadium from Barcelona two years ago and has made 39 appearances.
Muniesa, who has represented his country at U21 level, has agreed a deal which will tie him to the club until the summer of 2019.
He established himself in Stoke’s first team during the first half of the 2014/15 campaign, netting his first goals for the side in a 2-1 League Cup win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The 23-year-old suffered a hamstring injury against Blackburn Rovers in February but did return to the side for the end of season run-in and started in the final three league fixtures of the last campaign.
Muniesa is one of four ex-Barcelona players at the Britannia, alongside Bojan Krkic, Moha El Ouriachi and Ibrahim Afellay.
Boss Mark Hughes said: “I’m delighted he's recommitted to the club. It was a big decision for him when he first signed for us, to leave a club of the stature of Barcelona.
“It was almost like he was shutting the door on a dream, but he was very positive about going on another path with us - we were a good option for him.
“He's had to be patient getting his chance to play. When he first came to us, he wasn't as physically strong as he maybe needed to be - but he's worked very hard in the gym.
“It was always going to be his talent that brought him into my thinking. And he's a nice guy, engaging around the group, always plays with a smile on his face, so we are delighted that's been sorted.”
