UPDATE -  Krkic’s pockets just got a lot deeper after signing his new contract just 24 hours after his 18th birthday, one that will tie him to Barcelona until 2013.

Joining the elite crew of Puyol, Iniesta and Xavi as players that have risen through the youth ranks and into the bigtime stage, his buyout price tag just hit the 80 Million Euro mark.

Bojan’s loyalty not only remains with Barcelona, but the 18 year old also confirmed he’s a Spaniard at heart by pledging his loyalty to the champions of Europe, Spain.

“It was a great privilege to of been in the squad of the champions of Europe. What I want is to continue growing and learning and hopefully I will have the luck that one day I can debut with the national team.”

Almost Spain International and current rising star Bojan Krkic is set to be handed a new contract with FC Barcelona on August 28th, the day he turns 18 years old and becomes eligible for a senior contract.

After scoring 12 goals in all competitions last season and showing the form in which so many thought he had, Krkic is now set to put pen to paper on a five year deal that is believed to include an 80 Million Euro buyout clause.

image via Yimg