Barcelona defender Carles Puyol to leave the Spanish club at the end of the season
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Barcelona captain Carles Puyol says he will leave the club at the end of the season, preferring to take some time off after several injury-filled seasons.
The 35-year-old defender debuted with Barcelona in 1999 and has spent his entire career with the club. He has made only 12 appearances this season after returning from a long-term knee injury in October.
Puyol helped Barcelona win three Champions League titles and Spain win the 2010 World Cup.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Puyol said Tuesday "the recovery from my knee injury was more difficult than expected. I cannot perform anymore at the level I'd want."