Mexican agrees extension until 2012

Barcelona centre-back Rafael Marquez has signed a new contract with the current La Liga Champions, that will keep him at the club until 2012.

Marquez’s current deal was due to expire at the end of this season, and had been linked with a move to the United States after the summer’s World Cup, however, speaking on the Barcelona official website, the 30-year-old said:

"I am pleased to renew my contract at the club where I feel very loved,"

“(I need to) rediscover my best form in order to try to get back into the first team, although the competition is tough. I believe I still have a lot of chances to be in the starting XI."

Marquez joined Barcelona from Monaco in 2003, and has won two Champions League trophies with the Catalan club. He becomes the eight first-team player to commit his future to the club this season, after Yaya Toure, Victor Valdes, Pedro, Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal and Andres Iniesta all penned new deals recently.

Barcelona are 7/2 (Ladbrokes) to retain this season’s Champions League