Carles Puyol considering retirement after knee operation

Posted Monday, December 16, 2013 by Sports.ndtv.com

After a career in which he has won everything in both domestic and international football, Puyol has run into a spate of injury problems and at 35-years-old may decide to bring down the curtain on a glittering career.

Barcelona's talismanic defender Carles Puyol said on Friday he is considering retirement after a glittering career, but added he has never entertained the thought of playing for another club.

But while he admits he has considered the possibility his playing days are up, he has not consider a move away from Catalonia, contrary to press rumours he might be heading to Italy.

"To go to AC Milan was something I never thought about. But did I think that I might not be able to continue, that yes," said the long-haired defender opponents would be happy to see the back off.

"I would like to go to the end of my three year contract and even extend it if possible. I always said I wanted to play until I am 40 but what would please me is to retire from the game at Barcelona."

A serious knee operation has kept the Spanish international out of action since Barcelona crushed AC Milan 4-0 in their Champions League second-leg to reach the semi-finals and he expects the recovery process could be a lengthy one.

"After the operation (March 15), the doctor told me I could play again in 45 weeks but he also told me to rest a lot longer maybe even four or five months. I realised after four to six weeks, I couldn't even walk." added Puyol.

"The idea is to continue to work hard and try to get back to 100 per cent so I'm ready for pre-season training.