Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho has agreed a new deal with Barcelona in a bid to ward off the attentions of some of Europe’s big clubs.
The Spanish club have reportedly increased his yearly salary from £2.5m to £3.3m and perhaps more significantly, increased his buy out £66m to £100m. The deal expries in 2008.
“We are very satisfied with the agreement,” president Joan Laporta added on the club’s official website.
“Ronaldinho deserves it and we had to make this extra effort for him as much for the human qualities he has demonstrated this season as for his sporting achievements.
“Ronaldinho is going to mark a new era at this club.”
The Brazilian scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, helping Barcelona to runners-up spot in La Liga.