Carles Puyol has announced he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season. Puyol announced at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that he would be bringing the curtain down on his title-littered, 19-year career at the Nou Camp at the end of this season.
Puyol, who has struggled with injuries in recent years and has managed only 12 appearances in all competitions this season, said: "After two very serious operations, I'm finding it very hard to get back to the level I need to be at to stay here - much more than I thought and much more than the surgeons told me. That's why I have made this decision.
"I'm not going today. There are three months of the season left and anyone that knows me will know that I won't give up and I'll keep fighting to the end to try to improve and help the team to achieve its objectives this season."
As to what he plans to do after leaving the Nou Camp, Puyol admits he is not sure yet - save to take a break.
"I don't know what I'll do after June 30, but what I am sure of is that when the season ends I'm going to need to get some rest. I haven't stopped for four years because of injuries. After that, we'll see what happens," he said.
"I would like to have a press conference at the end of the season to say a proper goodbye after a total of 19 years at the club."
