Pique extends Barcelona deal

Barcelona - Resurgent Barcelona were given a fresh boost on Thursday when key defender Gerard Pique signed a contract extension until 2022.

Having recently lost Brazilian superstar Neymar in an aggressive contract buy-out by Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona have put a €500 million buy out clause in Pique's new contract.

"The club and the player have agreed terms on a new deal through to June 30, 2022. We will announce when the official signing will take place in a couple of days," Barcelona said on their website.

The 30-year-old joined Barcelona from Manchester United in 2008 and has proved an increasingly steady presence as centre-back with the Catalans winning three Champions Leagues and six Spanish Liga titles during his tenure.

The 6-foot-4 Pique was part of the Spain side that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships.

Barcelona currently top the Spanish League with a nine points lead over Atletico Madrid, but are an impressive 19 points clear of fourth placed arch-rivals Real Madrid.

[BREAKING NEWS]@3gerardpique has agreed a new @FCBarcelona contract until 2022
Full story ?? https://t.co/Reo9RsJ3IU
???? #Pique2022 pic.twitter.com/wTEJKc6Gd5

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 18, 2018