Ronaldinho extends Barca contract

World Player of the Year Ronaldinho has agreed to extend his contract with Spanish champions Barcelona for another two years until 2010.

The 25-year-old Brazilian joined Barcelona from Paris SG on a five-year deal for a fee of 25 million euros in 2003. After several days of intense negotiations between Ronaldinho's brother Roberto de Assis and the club the two parties agreed to extend the deal to 2010 rather than 2014 as first envisaged.

The club said that the player's buy-out clause had been increased to 125 million euros and that the new contract included a provision for a further extension to the deal.

The decision to renew the Brazilian's contract forms part of the club's policy to guarantee the continuity of the backbone of the present team.

Leading striker Samuel Eto'o, midfielders Xavi and Deco and goalkeeper Victor Valdes have all had their deals extended until 2010.

Ronaldinho was named as World Player of the Year in December 2004 and went on to play a vital role in helping the Catalans win their first league title in six years last season.