Ronaldinho signs new contract with Barcelona
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-01 08:56

FC Barcelona forward Ronaldinho extended his contract on Wednesday by two years until 2010.

The Brazilian's new deal after months of negotiations also included an option to continue if both club and player agree.

"We're very happy because we've fulfilled his dream to stay at the club for many years," Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, told Radio Marca.

Ronaldinho's buyout clause was raised to euro125 million (US$154.3 million).

No details were available about Ronaldinho's salary although recent news reports said his fixed annual salary would rise in increments until 2008, when his current contract expires, and then increase in line with inflation.

In addition, Ronaldinho would also be paid an additional variable salary, depending on the number of matches he plays and the trophies he wins. He would also receive compensation for ceding Barcelona a part of the income from his image rights.

The 25-year-old forward, who helped Barcelona win the league last season for the first time in six years, was to explain his deal at a news conference on Thursday.

Barcelona is trying to extend the contracts of key players, and has also sought to improve the deals of its young prospects.

Striker Samuel Eto'o, midfielders Deco and Xavi Hernandez, goalkeeper Victor Valdes, ands rookies Lionel Messi and Damia Albelda have also agreed to extensions until 2010.

Ronaldinho, the current FIFA world player of the year, joined Barcelona from Paris Saint-Germain for euro30 million (US$37 million) in 2003.

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