Carles Puyol hints at retirement

Barcelona skipper Carles Puyol has hinted that injuries could force him to retire from professional football at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old has been used sparingly this campaign due to a number of injury troubles, but he has a contract with the Spanish side until 2016.

The centre-back started Barca's 6-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at the weekend, but was forced off in the second period when he felt "a twinge" in his back.

"I felt good but I asked to be taken off when I felt a twinge in my back, but it is nothing major. I manage it well but you have to remember that I have had three operations in one year, that complicates things a bit and I am 35", he told Marca.

Puyol is not expected to be involved in Tuesday's last-16 Champions League first-leg clash with Manchester City.