FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.05.2007 17:06

Barrufet, Juanín and Tomás extend contracts

Meritxell Infante

Three of FC Barcelona Cifec’s handball team have agreed to extend their stays at the club. Barrufet, Juanín and Tomás are all key members of the team, and the club is delighted to have guaranteed their extended presence.

Barrufet, Juanín and Tomás are all highly dedicated to the FC Barcelona cause and have agreed to sign extensions to their contracts with Barça Cifec. None of the trio’s contracts expire this season, but the club wanted to demonstrate the faith it has in what these three players have to offer.

A veteran delight

David Barrufet is almost 37, but shows no sign of letting his age get to him. His contract ends at the end of the 2007-08 season, but he has agreed to a deal to stay for one more year, with the option for another on top. Barrufet says this means continuing his dream. “Staying at home, staying at the best club in the world and retiring here, I have no doubt that that is what I want” he said. “This is definitely the last contract of my career. Then it will be time for me to retire after a good, long career.” David Barrufet has won 64 titles at Barça, including 7 European Cups and 11 Spanish Asobal Leagues, and was named goalkeeper of the year in 2000-01 and 2001-02.

Juanín consolidates position

Juanín García had one year left on his contract but will now be staying until 2010-11. The club is convinced that he is worthy of at least three more years at Barça. “I feel like they trust in me here” he said. “As every day goes by I feel better at the club and in the team and I am totally adapted to the city.” He has won the league and the cup in his two seasons at Barça.

Youthful talent

Víctor Tomás still has three years of his contract to see out, but has added two more to that, with the option to a further two if he likes. A product of the club’s youth system, the youngster has gone from strength to strength since moving up to the first team, and is one of the finest young Catalan handball talents around. “I am profoundly grateful that club wanted to speak to me about extending my contract” he said. “I feel that people appreciate the work I am doing and I am really keen just to be able to continue doing it.” His career may only just be starting, but Tomás has already collected one Champions League, one Asobal League and two Copa del Rey medals.