Puyol signs Barcelona contract extension until 2016

23/01/2013 5:30:00 AM

The Blaugrana captain has opted to extend his stay at Camp Nou by a further three years, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Xavi, who have also penned new deals

Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol has signed a contract extension that will see him stay at the club until 2016.

The centre-back joins Xavi and Lionel Messi in signing new deals with the Liga leaders, although Victor Valdes has refused to commit to the club past the end of his current deal.

The 34-year-old's current deal had been due to expire in the summer of 2014, but he will now stay with the Blaugrana for a further two years.

"I'm very happy and very pleased," he told Barca TV.

"My plan was to continue here - I want to be here for as many years as I can. I'm thankful for the effort that the club have made.

"Signing this contact is important, but what's more important is seeing it out. Staying in shape is very important and I'm well aware that I have to take care of myself off and on the pitch."

Puyol has played his entire career at Camp Nou and has won five league titles, two Copa del Rey’s and the Champions League three times.

Both Adriano and Andreas Iniesta are expected to join Puyol in signing extensions in the coming week.