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The leaders of the Spanish champions' club finally put an end to all the rumors about a possible transfer of Xavi and extended the contract with the Spanish national team's midfielder until 2010.
"I am happy. I am devoted to the club, always wanted to stay here. By offering a five-year contract, the club showed great confidence, so now I am calm about my future," Xavi expressed his joy.
Xavi came to the youth team at the age of 11. He rapidly improved and in 1997 was invited to the reserves team. The player became one of the leaders of the team and contributed greatly to the promotion of "Barcelona B" to the second Spanish league. After spending one season in the reserves team, Xavi was promoted to the first team, where he scored a goal in his debut match.
The news of Xavi's contract extension delighted Barcelona's coach Frank Rijkaard, who openly expressed his desire for long-term contracts with key players. According to club officials, the contract with coach Rijkaard will also be extended in the near future.
"Financial aspects are not important in negotiations. Frank says he wants to stay, so I am sure he will. Although he has received offers from other clubs, the coach wants to continue his successful work in Barcelona," Txiki Begiristain stated at a press conference.
