Adriano extends contract with FC Barcelona

Adriano Correia celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou on December 1, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. (Getty Images)

Madrid, May 23 (IANS): FC Barcelona confirmed that the football 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 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 defence, 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 defence, despite the fact he is only 1.72 metres 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 buy him, and will keep him at Barca until he is 32-years-old.