Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeuhas revealed that striker Luis Suarez is on the verge ofreceiving a new contract for his stellar efforts that saw the 29-year-oldwin the European Golden Shoe this year.
Bartomeutold Cadena Celeste, a radio station in Suarez's native Uruguay, that only the finer details were left to sort out between the club and player,and that the extension, which is expected to run until 2022, would be announced in days.
Luis Suarez has scored his 48th goal of 2016, in his 54th app, equalling his total for 2015 (48 goals in 57 apps) #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/PEK2uiBX2h
"Suarez is going to get a renewed contract very soon, it's done, just a few small details need to be sorted and we'll announce it in the next few days or weeks," Bartomeu stated, as quoted by theMirror.
"It will be a great Christmas present, not necessarily for Luis as he already knows he's going to continue here, but for football fans. For us he is an important character, he forms part of this spectacular trident we have, which helps the entire team function."
Bartomeu, didn't elaborate on whether the former Liverpool star would be receiving a wage hike on his reported£200,000 a week deal, butclaimed he wants Suarezto stay at the Nou Camp for the rest of his playing career, and beyond.
"We want [his contract] to be even longer, but for the moment he will sign until 2022. You have to adapt to the rules, which have a maximum contract length.
"We want Luis Suarez to be at this club for many years. And when he retires he will always be welcome at Barcelona."
Luis Suarez has to become one of the stand out footballers of the last five years. In 2014, the striker was named PFA Player of the Year, after scoring 31 league goals for Liverpool.
He joined Barcelona for a fee of around £75m in that summer and has gone on to win two league titles and the Champions League, as well as taking home several individual awards, including the European Golden Shoe.