BARCELONA, Spain - Barcelona has renewed central defender Gerard Piques contract through 2019. T. J. Jones . The deal was signed at a ceremony attended by Pique, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and other officials, the club said in a statement Monday. The Spain international has been an integral part of Barcelonas success, helping the club win two Champions Leagues titles and five of the past six league trophies since his arrival in 2008. Pique said being able to play out the remainder of his professional career at Barcelona was something that inspired him. He added that he was excited about the prospect of "attaining many future successes, as many as weve had in recent years." Bartomeu said the contract renewal would consolidate Pique as "the best centre in the world." Isa Abdul-Quddus . Sweden, first in Group B with a 4-0-0-0 record, will face Slovakia in Thursdays quarterfinals while Russia (2-0-0-2) will finish either second or third depending on the outcome of the Finland-Switzerland game later Tuesday. James Ihedigbo .S. Olympic mens hockey team in Sochi will linger. But now he has shifted his focus back to the Pittsburgh Penguins and looks to get his first-place team to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs. LONDON -- Chelsea has agreed to sell David Luiz to French champion Paris Saint-Germain in a deal that will reportedly make the Brazil international the worlds most expensive defender. Chelsea and PSG both announced the deal in separate statements late Friday, but did not disclose financial details. The move cannot be completed until the start of the transfer window on June 10, but PSG said all sides wanted to reach an agreement "as soon as possible" so that Luiz can "prepare for and play in the World Cup in his home country in the best possible conditions." Chelsea said the Brazil international has passed a medical examination but still needs to finalize the personal terms of his contractt with PSG. Ziggy Ansah. British media reported that the transfer fee would reach between 40 million pounds ($67 million) and 50 million pounds ($84 million) depending on incentives, which would be a record for a defender. PSG paid a reported 42 million euros in 2012 for Thiago Silva, who could now link up with his Brazil teammate in central defence. Luizs arrival will also make up for the departure of Alex, another Brazil defender bought from Chelsea in 2012, who is out of contract. Luiz has been one of the Premier Leagues top defenders and free-kick takers over the past few seasons, and can also play as a defensive midfielder. He is expected to start for Brazil at this summers World Cup. ' ' '
