Carlos Puyol to leave Barcelona at end of season

Long-serving centre-back Carlos Puyol has revealed that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old played his 593rd game for the Catalan outfit in their 4-1 win over Almeria at the weekend, but has struggled to overcome a long-standing knee problem this season.

It is understood that the defender will not be retiring from professional football, however, and will review his options in the summer.

"I am here to announce I am leaving Barcelona at the end of the season. After two knee operations, I cannot perform as I wish," he told gathering reporters at a press conference.

"I do not know what I will do after June 30. I will need to rest and think. We will see then."

As it stands, the Spanish international has won three European Cups and a total of 21 trophies with the club, but that could become 24 by the end of the season.