Carles Puyol: 'I could retire from football next year'

Carles Puyol has insisted that he has never given serious thought to leaving Barcelona but admits that his career could soon be coming to an end.

The Spaniard, who is a product of the club's youth system, has struggled with injuries this season and believes that an equally frustrating year could force him to retire.

Puyol said: "I would like to go to the end of my three-year contract and even extend 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.

"I doubt I could stand another season of injuries like the one I have just had.

"If the problems continue next season I will have to quit. These things happen in football."

The 35-year-old has also played 100 times for the Spanish national side.