Barcelona announce Miles Morales signing
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 21 Sept 2023 13:53 BST
- 6 min read
Barcelona have announced that Miles Morales has signed a contract with the club until 2028 – but of course the Catalans don’t mean the fictional Marvel comic book star.
Barca have used Morales instead as a hook to announce Alejandro Balde’s contract extension with the club, with the 19-year-old defender having embraced the nickname that he has been given in recent months.
The Camp Nou side had confirmed the news that Balde would remain with the club on Wednesday but kicked off his re-signing event with a tweet that said: “Miles Morales 2028.”
Balde, meanwhile, was seen signing a card with an image of him as Miles Morales, the superhero Spider-man in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ movies.
Miles Morales 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣8️⃣ pic.twitter.com/MBsmA0vZRx
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 21, 2023
Why is Balde known as Miles Morales?
Balde, around the time of the release of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’, the second film in the franchise, is quoted as saying: “Everyone tells me I look like Miles Morales.”
It appears that the name has stuck, with Barcelona using the likeness to announce the Spain international’s future at the club.
It’s not the first time that Barca have used Miles Morales to promote the youngster.
Back in the summer, they shot footage of him in a Spider-Man-style pose for Instagram.
Balde signing a new contract with Barcelona, though, is a big deal for the club, with the player having the potential to become the best defender in the world.
“I've been at the club for 13 years now and all I have are good memories. When I arrived when I was 6 or 7 years old and my dream was to reach the first team and now the dream has come true,” Balde said.
“I hope to continue contributing and growing. In five years, I will be 24 and continue to be very young. I hope to continue for many more years.”
Laporta on new contract
“I want to thank Balde's entire team of advisors for the efforts that they have made. Above all, to Balde, who has Barca in his blood and today is a historic day,” president Joan Laporta announced.
“It is a historic day as it is confirmed that a boy trained at home, reached the first team because he loves Barca and has parents who have educated him in our values.
“The coaching staff were the first to ask for his renewal. Thanks to agent Jorge Mendes, that apart from defending the interests of your clients, you also takes into account the interests of Barca. You defend your own, but sometimes with some sacrifices.”
Balde has played 56 times for Barcelona’s first team and has also won six caps for Spain.
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