A Barcelona legend's departure: Carlos Puyol

On Tuesday, Carlos Puyol announced in a press conference that he would be leaving Barcelona when the current season ends, cancelling the final two years remaining on his current contract. The loyal defender has only played for the Catalan club since joining the academy in 1995 and making his first team debut in 1999. There is no doubting that Puyol is a legend at the club, having made 593 club appearances. But what does the future hold for Puyol? 

In his press conference, Puyol explained his decision for wanting to leave the club. The 35 year old said: “The reason we called you in was because I want to announce I will be leaving Barcelona at the end of this season. The club knows and we have agreed on the terms. We will end my contract and cancel the two years I had left."  

"After the two last and very aggressive operations I have had I am finding it very hard to get back to the level I want for myself. It is harder than I expected and harder than what I was told by the doctors. So that is why I am taking this decision.”  

Carlos Puyol's career at Barcelona is one full of trophies
and has won La Liga an impressive six times.

Puyol also went on to reveal what he planned to do in the summer regarding his future and said: "I don't know what I will do after 30 June, but I'm sure that in the summer I will rest." A telling note to takeaway from this statement is the use of the word "rest." With the World Cup approaching this summer and much debate whether Puyol will be on the plane to Brazil, the use of "rest" is Puyol's way of saying he will not be part of Brazil 2014. 

What are the future avenues Puyol's career could now go down? Many are speculating that Puyol will leave Europe and try his hand in leagues such as Malaysia and Qatar. Other reports suggest America will be the Spaniard's next destination, reuniting with former team mate Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls. However, a surprise move could be Puyol to AC Milan, a club he has always spoke fondly of and a league which suits ageing centre backs, with the World Cup winner turning 36 in April.  

Although in the press conference he did say he would rest and then decide what he will do, this does not rule out the possibility of retirement. Puyol has been ravaged by injuries in the past seasons, with his knee proving to be a major part in his inability to perform like he used to. Twinned with his growing age, Puyol may call time on his career to preserve his health. If he is to retire, do not be surprised if in the future he is in some form of coaching role at Barcelona or another club.   

Adios! Puyol has chosen to end his 19 year
spell at Barcelona  in the summer. 

With a centre back departing in the summer, could Barcelona be preparing to replace Puyol with another curly haired centre back in Chelsea's David Luiz? Barcelona have been long term admirers of the Brazilian and have previously made contact with the London club over a move. It does seem Barcelona will move for a centre back in the summer and Luiz could be the top of their transfer targets.

Whatever Puyol decides to do in the summer, he will always be remembered as the lion heart legend at the centre of Barcelona's defence. He is a player that epitomises the values Barcelona spend years trying to ingrain in their famous academies. He has always given his all and stayed loyal to Barcelona and was someone that any member of the squad could turn to. The tributes that have flood in for the centre back show how highly regarded he was at Barcelona, the most touching coming from Gerard Pique that described Puyol as "my guardian angel." His departure marks an end of a era for Barcelona as fans, staff and players alike as they celebrate his club status as not only a leader and a world class player but as a legend too.