Puyol to leave Barcelona at end of season

Barcelona: Defender Carles Puyol has announced he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old Puyol has spent his entire career with the Spanish league champion, having debuted in 1999. But he has made just 12 appearances this season after battling knee injuries. Puyol has been an essential figure in Barcelona's and Spain's recent achievements, as the center back helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup two years after its European Championship triumph.

While helping Spain to the top of world football, Puyol has been the warrior defender for Barcelona, helping the Catalan club to 21 trophies including three Champions Leagues.