Pique set to extend Barca contract

(GSM) – Barcelona is keen to hold on to the key players of their current, succesful squad. Gerard Pique is next in line to extend his contract at Barca after key players like Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Carles Puyol already signed a new contract with the Catalans.

“Gerard Pique will be one of the next players to renew his contract,” chairman Joan Laporta told several Spanish media on Monday. “He deserves it. He is one of the best in the world in his position.”

Pique, whose current deal with Barca expires in June 2012, is poised to extend his stay with the European and Club World Champions. “I consider it a challenge to be part of this beautiful and succesful club for many years.”

22-year-old Pique began his Barca career at the age of 10 and later spent three seasons at Manchester United and one term on loan at Real Zaragoza before returning to the Catalan capital where he was a key part of last year’s treble-winning side.