At the age of 36, after 15 years at Barcelona and 21 titles won, Carles Puyol decides to step down and enjoy some much needed rest.
The former captain said his goodbyes at a special ceremony that included present and past heroes for the Catalan club, as well as his family.
The legendary centre-back revealed that the knee injury forced him out of the team and stated:
“We tried everything [but] we’ve not figured out a way to fix it, but I’ve not given up. I’ll keep trying to sort it out, but now without the pressure of having to play.”
When players of his stature retire, the whole world loses a piece of football
Xavi in tears during Puyol's farewell event.. pic.twitter.com/RJp4dKtYJC
— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) May 15, 2014
Horrible to see when legends of the game like Zanetti and Puyol retire in the same season. #livinglegends
— Jared Pepper (@jaredpepper2) May 15, 2014
Carles Puyol has announced that he'll retire at the end of the season. Bros, we go miss you die. #Legend #Class
— Sammy Wejinya (@samywejinya) May 15, 2014
Retire the number 5 of Puyol, no one will deserve it ever @FCBarcelona
— Futbolargentino (@FCBJulian) May 15, 2014
With his club and National team, the former captain of both has won almost everything there is to win. With Barca, Puyol won six La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, three Champions Leagues.
Cartoon: Goodbye Puyol #CapitaPuyol #Barca pic.twitter.com/OsRjaqcWp0
— Omar Momani (@omomani) May 15, 2014
Escribe tu mensaje a .@Carles5puyol usando #GraciasPuyol tras despedirse del @FCBarcelona http://t.co/gzgislZgJJ pic.twitter.com/lk7lLXAe6m
— LigaBBVA (@LigaBBVA) May 15, 2014
With Spain, the defender managed to win one FIFA World Cup and one UEFA European Championship.
The statistics of Carles Puyol's incredible career
Individually, the Catalan was awarded a number of trophies and honors and made the FIFA World XI three times.
Puyol's header against Germany sent Spain to the 2010 World Cup final against Netherlands
A true legend and leader both on and off the pitch, Puyol is involved in many charities and remained as humble as a player of that caliber could be. The Spanish defender concluded humbly:
“I came here as a boy and I leave with a family who I am really proud of.”
CLASS ACT!
