Puyol to leave Barcelona in summer

Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol will leave the club at the end of the season following a persistent battle with a knee injury.

The 35-year-old defender, a fans’ favourite for his battling displays, has been restricted to just five league games this season and has decided to end his time at the Nou Camp.

Puyol, who made his Barca debut in 1999, has the second highest number of appearances for the club with 593, only bettered by Xavi Hernandez.

He has won six league titles, three Champions League titles and two Spanish Cups.

He has also been a key player in Spain’s achievements on the international stage, helping them to win the 2008 European Championship and the World Cup two years later.

“I have told the club the situation and we are both in agreement that it is the right decision,” he told a news conference. 

“The injuries I have been suffering from have been worse than I expected and have not allowed me to play at my level.”

“I would like to have a news conference at the end of the season to say a proper goodbye after a total of 19 years at the club.”

The defender, who only signed his contract extension with Barca a year ago, has seen his career disrupted by injuries.

He has suffered a total of 36 injuries in 15 campaigns with the first team, eight of which have been knee problems.

Barcelona are currently second in La Liga, one point behind leaders Real Madrid.