Puyol 'thrilled' with new Barça deal

FC Barcelona have received a timely boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter away to FC Rubin Kazan with news that Carles Puyol has signed a three-year contract extension.

Fans backing
The 31-year-old, whose previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season, declared himself "delighted" with the new contract that ties him to the Camp Nou until 30 June 2013. "I'm thrilled with the confidence the club has shown in me," the Barça captain said. "The fans here also played a huge part in my decision. They've always been behind me through good moments and bad." Puyol made his Liga debut for Barcelona in October 1999 and has since amassed 452 official appearances in all competitions for the club while winning three Liga and two UEFA Champions League titles.