Pinto delight at Barca extension

Veteran Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto says he is delighted to have signed a one-year contract extension with the Catalan giants.

The 35-year-old, who deputises for Barca number one Victor Valdes, inked a new deal with the Spanish champions on Wednesday, a contract that should see him remain at the Nou Camp until the end of next season.

Pinto arrived at Barcelona in January 2008, and after a five-month loan spell from his parent club Celta Vigo – where he spent a decade – he was offered a permanent deal in May 2008.

“I’m very happy because this is where I wanted to be,” Pinto said, revealing he had his heart set on a permanent deal from the moment he arrived on loan.

“I came for six months, but my mind was already focused on carrying on,” he said.

“I am happy here and my family too, and when that happens you can’t ever consider anything but to carry on.”

“I’m happy to prove myself on the pitch, because sometimes what you do to help the team in training and not in games is not easily seen.”

“I am very happy because I feel valued and I can contribute both on and off the pitch.”