Xavi Hernandez to stay with Barca though June 2016

Barcelona, Jan 29 (IANS/EFE) Midfielder Xavi Hernandez has signed a contract extension that will keep him with FC Barcelona through June 2016, the club said Monday.

The 33-year-old has been with Barca since the start of his professional career, appearing in a record 659 official matches for the club.

Hernandez signed the two-year extension in the presence of club President Sandro Rosell, Vice President Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta.

“This is a special day because it means I’ll spend more years at Barca, this is where I want to be,” Xavi said. “My first choice was always to stay here. The club has made an effort and I am grateful.”

Hernandez declined to speculate about how long he will remain with the Catalan club.

“I know how demanding it is but I’d like to stay many more years,” he said. “There are many players that are able to play in my position and they’ve shown that they can do it.”

“Barca will continue to perform when I’m not around,” he said.