Carles Puyol Contemplated Early Retirement from FC Barcelona

Carles Puyol told Antena 3 (a Spanish television station) that he once thought of early retirement from FC Barcelona and World Football as a whole. The reason was the peristent problems related to his knee injuries.

Puyol was forced to miss more than half of FC Barcelona's matches during the 2010-2011 season, including matches in both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. Puyol underwent surgery in his knee in June 2011 and was forced to rest for more than three months.

Puyol admitted that he suffered during those months, both with his knee and the loss of strength within his lower extremity (leg). Puyol thought that the only solution was to leave FC Barcelona and international football altogether.

However, Puyol has now returned and appears ready for the 2011-2012 La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League. In the current season, Puyol has started four games, was used once as a substitute, has committed one foul, suffered two and received one yellow card.

While Puyol was sidelined for much of the 2010-2011 season, he was able to accomplish a lot during that time. During the previous season, Puyol's stats read as follows: 39 games started, two substitute appearances, two goals, 10 shots, three shots on goal, 29 fouls committed, 33 fouls served and six yellow cards.

At the present time, Puyol may have one more season before he decides on retirement.