Pique signs new Barca deal

Published Feb. 26, 2010 8:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

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.