Marquez extends Barca deal

Barcelona's Rafael Marquez has signed a three-year contract extension.

The Mexican's previous deal would have expired next summer but he has now committed himself to the club until 2010.

The Catalan giants also announced that his buy-out clause had risen from ‚é¼25 million (£17.3 million) to ‚é¼100 million (£69.1 million).

"My priority has always been Barcelona, so I'm happy at having renewed my contract," Marquez told the club's official website.

Since moving to Camp Nou from Monaco in 2003 the defender has helped Barca to back-to-back Liga titles as well as last season's UEFA Champions League triumph.

His reputation has been enhanced further by an impressive showing in the World Cup for Mexico, and the news that he has pledged his future to Barcelona is an ominous sign that the Spanish champions intend to maintain their dominance over the coming years.

Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o, Carles Puyol and Deco are already contracted to the club until 2010.