体坛英语新闻：Adriano extends contract with FC Barcelona

MADRID, May 22 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona this Wednesday confirmed that the club has agreed to extend the contract of utility player Adriano Correia until the end of June 2017.

Adriano has signed a four year-extension with the club he joined in the summer of 2010 for 9.5 million euros from Sevilla and has so far made 105 appearances in which he has scored 10 goals.

This has perhaps been his most productive season as he has played in 34 games, scoring six times and had it not been for a series of muscle problems, he would have no doubt played even more for the side which was presented with the BBVA Primera Liga title last Sunday in their 2-1 home win against Valladolid.

Adriano has played in various positions this season: at left and right back, highlighting his ability with both feet, and has even played several games in central defense, where his speed and anticipation have been important as the club looked for cover for the injured Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano.

Adriano turned in a series of impressive performances in the heart of the Barca defense, despite the fact he is only 1.72 meters in height (5 ft 8 inches).

The new contract raises Adriano's buyout clause to 90 million euros, making it virtually impossible for any other club to by him, and will keep him with Barca until he is 32 years old.

Meanwhile Barcelona and defender Eric Abidal, who returned to action at the end of the season after overcoming a liver transplant which was the result of a liver tumor, are expected to hold a press conference next week in which they will give details of Abidal's future.

The club are thought to have offered Abidal, who is very popular and respected by the Barca fans, an ambassadorial role, while 33 year-old Abidal is thought to want to continue playing for at least one more year.