Hernandez extends contract with Barcelona

Madrid, Nov 30: Euro 2008 top player Xavi Hernandez has extended his contract with Spanish giants Barcelona until 2014, according to club president Joan Laporta.The digital versions of AS, Sport and Mundo Deportivo all quoted Laporta saying that Xavi - whose contract was till 2010 - will earn around 7,5 million euros (USD 9.6 million) from now on, making him one of the club`s biggest earners. Xavi, 29 in January, will thus be a Barca player until the age of 34. He will sign the contract extension new week, according to Laporta. Xavi was born in Tarrassa, a Barcelona industrial suburb. He joined the Barca youth sections at the age of 12, and soon caught the eye with his precise passing and midfield vision. He made his full debut in 1998. He has won three Liga titles and one Champions League with the Catalan giants. Xavi made his Spain debut in 2000 and has now won 69 caps, scoring nine goals in the process. He was voted best player at the 2008 European Championship finals, where he guided Spain to triumph. IANS