De Boer to stay with Barcelona

Frank de Boer has ended speculation about joining a Premiership club, by signing a new one-year contract with Barcelona.

He said he had received offers from two Serie A clubs, who he did not name.

And De Boer also congratulated South Korea's Dutch coach Gus Hiddink and admits he has divided loyalties over the World Cup quarter-final with Spain.

The Dutch player told Icons.com: ''After a long period of uncertainty about my future, it's a relief to have resolved matters satisfactorily and I'm now looking forward to the new season with renewed enthusiasm.

''You may remember that I have said many times that I would not agree to a one-year extension on my current deal because I felt I deserved a two-year offer. I changed my mind for two reasons - my family and the arrival of Louis van Gaal as the new coach.

''I never wanted to have uproot my family from our home in Spain, a necessity if I had changed clubs. Van Gaal reassured me about my value to the club and the team. I know him well from our time together with the Dutch national team and we have always enjoyed a good relationship.

''There were two serious offers from Serie A clubs, which I don't feel it is right to name, but I always wanted to remain with Barcelona if it was possible.''

As for Hiddink, de Boer said: ''I would like to congratulate another of my former Dutch managers - Gus Hiddink - and the amazing success he has enjoyed at the World Cup with South Korea.

''Hiddink is an ex-player himself and his intuitive understanding of the players he coaches was, for me, always his greatest strength from my experiences with Holland. He has this instinctive knack of picking the right people in the right positions and sensing the best way to get the most from his personnel.

''Can they beat Spain? Obviously the Spanish will be the favourites but South Korea certainly have a real chance. My only fear for them is whether they will be able to display the same hunger as they did for the Italy game.

''Of course, living and playing in Spain means I have divided loyalties for the match, but one thing's for sure, it will be a fantastic match to watch.''