Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has ended speculation over his future by signing a contract extension at the Nou Camp.
The Barca boss had raised doubts over his future ahead of last weekend’s Champions League Final by suggesting he did not know if he would be in charge next season.
However, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed that the manager has signed a contract keeping him in the Catalan capital until at least 2017.
In his first season at the helm, Enrique matched the achievements of Pep Guardiola by leading Barcelona to the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.
This came despite a mini-crisis early in the New Year when it was suggested that Enrique’s relationship with Lionel Messi had broken down.
The mercurial Argentine, along with Neymar and Luis Suarez, has formed a lethal attacking trio that made Barcelona European football’s top dogs once again.
Enrique confirmed to the club’s website that he is delighted to remain in charge and is looking forward to challenging for more titles.
He said: “How could we be anything other than very happy?
“After the last year we’ve experienced, with difficulties but with a great final result, we’re more than excited about returning in the hope of winning titles.
“Anything that comes close will be more than exciting.”
President Bartomeu also confirmed Barcelona expect to bring in new faces in spite of the transfer ban imposed by Fifa until 2016.
“We have set aside resources to bring in the world’s best players – those who everyone wants to sign,” he said.
Meanwhile Spain face Belarus in a Euro 2016 qualifier this weekend. The reigning champions are 1.30 to win, with Belarus 8.10 and the draw 5.34.
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