体坛英语新闻：Xavi renews deal while Abidal gets all clear to return to training

MADRID, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Xavi Hernandez this Monday reached an agreement with FC Barcelona on a contract extension which will almost certainly see the Spain international midfielder end his career with the club.

Xavi has penned a new deal until the end of June 2016, when he will be 36 years old. The contract means that the Terrassa born player will have spent half of his entire life in the Barca first team squad and 25 years at the club.

Xavi joined Barca as an 11 year-old in 1991 and made his first team debut aged just 18, under the guidance of then coach, Louis Van Gaal.

During that time, he has won six league titles, three Champions Leagues, two Spanish Copas del Rey, five Spanish Supercups, two European Supercups, and two World Club Championships.

With the Spain national team, Xavi has won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup. Along with Andres Iniesta, he is one of the players responsible for the passing game which has made both his club and country the envy of the footballing world in recent years.

Xavi's list of trophies is very similar to that of Barca captain, Carles Puyol, who last week also agreed a contract extension to keep him at the club until he is 37.

Meanwhile there was further good news for Barca this Monday as the club confirmed that defender Eric Abidal will return to full training with the club's first team squad following a liver transplant last April. Abidal needed the transplant after successfully undergoing treatment for liver cancer, which was detected in a routine check up in 2011.