FC Barcelona has announced that Carles Puyol will from next September be joining the Football Department, currently run by Andoni Zubizarreta, as an assistant to the sports management team.

The appointment of Puyol means that one of the most emblematic captains in club history will be remaining at the club, a desire that was already expressed by the president, directors, coaches and players during his farewell event last May 15.

Puyol and Zubi delighted

Puyol was thrilled with the news. "I want to thank FC Barcelona for all that it has given me before and for this chance that has arisen now” he said. “I will try to the very best I can, and especially to learn a lot.” He added that “I have always played football and tried to do so as well as possible, and I’ll be doing the same with this. Now I need some time to rest and continue treatment on my knee, but I am really looking forward to it. I am very excited about this new stage of my life.”l

Andoni Zubizarreta, the director of sport for football, also expressed his pleasure on hearing the news. "Puyol is joining the Football Department and we will be seeking to make the most his experience  … We also want people to realise how much he knows. He will be an assistant to the sports management, so he’ll be working with me on club projects, both internally and externally."

He went on to say that “we’ll be working in more external areas like marketing and finance, and in the technical secretary area. I am sure I’ll learn a lot from him. We’ll have him close to all the teams, it’s a unique opportunity. A couple of years ago we spoke about what would be best for him and I’m sure he’ll come to realise that is what he’ll enjoy the most”.

Bakudaily.az