Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has signed a three-year extension
to his contract, tying him to the Nou Camp until June 2015.
Pique, a former Barcelona youth team player, has impressed
since returning from Manchester United in 2008 and was an ever
present in the Catalans' treble-winning season in his first year
back.
The 23-year-old, whose contract was due to expire in 2012,
becomes the 10th Barca player to renew his deal this campaign.
Pique's release clause has also been quadrupled and Barca
confirmed the news on their website.
The statement read: "The defender Gerard Pique will continue
at FC Barcelona until June 30 2015 at least.
"This Friday at midday, the Barca '3' signed the extension
and the improvement of his contract, which expired in 2012.
"In the deal it was also established that the 23-year-old
footballer's release clause has been increased from 50 to
200million euros.
"Other than Pique, his family and his agent, among others
present at the signing were president Joan Laporta, sporting
vice-president Rafael Yuste, financial vice-president Joan Boix,
technical secretary Txiki Begiristain and football director Raul
Sanllehi."
Yaya Toure, Victor Valdes, Pedro, Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol,
Eric Abidal, Andres Iniesta, Rafael Marquez and Jeffren have all
signed new contracts this season, while coach Pep Guardiola has
also agreed a new deal.
