Barcelona president Sandro Rosell today announced the renewal of Andres Iniesta’s contract until 2018.

Iniesta’s contract was due to expire in 2015, but has now officially been extended for a further three years.

“We are very happy with his renewal, Blaugrana president, Sandro Rossel, said.

“I believe this is a great Christmas present for all cules.”

The Barca president announced the contract extension himself, because sporting director, Zubizarreta, is currently in Argentina to check on the recovery process of Lionel Messi.

Andres Iniesta first arrived at Barcelona in September 1996, when he was only 12. He came through Barcelona’s famous youth academy, La Masia, he made his first-team debut in 2002, aged 18.

By the 2005-06 season Iniesta was a key member of Barca’s staring XI and has made 479 official appearances for the club.

Amongst many accolades, he has won 16 major trophies with Barcelona including six La Liga titles and three times the UEFA Champions League.

The midfielder is an integral part of Spain’s recent national team, who won the European Championship in 2008, the World Cup in 2010 and defended the EURO in 2012.

The Catalan giants are also rumoured to be in negotiations with their super star Lionel Messi.

Can Barcelona and their superstars reclaim the European dominance they had under Guardiola or has their best period passed? Have your say in the comment section below.