Márquez in Camp Nou pledge
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Article summary
Rafael Márquez has put the disappointment of his FIFA World Cup exit with Mexico behind him by agreeing a new contract at FC Barcelona until 2010.
Article body
Rafael Márquez has put the disappointment of Mexico's FIFA World Cup exit behind him to sign a new contract with FC Barcelona that will keep him at Camp Nou until 2010.
Priority
He said: "My priority was always Barcelona. I have believed in this project from the very beginning. It was tough at first but the last two years have been excellent." The buy-out clause on his contract has been set at €100m. Marquez joins eight other players who have had their contracts set until 2010: Xavi Hernández, Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes, Andrès Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Deco and Lionel Messi.
Impressive performances
The 27-year-old centre back, who can also play in midfield, joined Barça from AS Monaco FC in 2003 and has been a stalwart at the back in Frank Rijkaard's side. Despite some impressive performances by Márquez in Germany, Mexico were knocked out of the World Cup last Saturday after a 2-1 defeat in the Round of 16 by Argentina.