The past two years have not been easy for FC Barcelona defender Gabriel Milito. In the 2007-2008 Champions League semi-finals Milito suffered a cruciate ligament injury to his right knee. The injury would have him sidelined for 580 days.

Milito returned to the Barcelona lineup on November 20, 2009 and worked his way back into the lineup. He served as an important part of the defense as the season progressed and by seasons end would find himself ahead of both Marquez and Chygrynskiy on the depth chart.

Gabi Milito’s hard work and determination to return from injury was rewarded today by Barcelona with a contract extension until June 20, 2012. There is an option for the contract to be extended another year if desired.