Puyol extends his contract with Barcelona

Carles Puyol is set to end his career at Barcelona: today the Spanish giants announced the extension of their captain’s contract for three years, until 2013.
Puyol’s contract was due to expire in June 2010, which had given rise to rumours about the veteran defender possibly leaving the Camp Nou at the end of this season.

Puyol and Barcelona were talking about a contract extension for a long time but they struggled to come to an agreement. Last weeks there were reports about possible moves to Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester City as well as Serie A club AC Milan.

But, by extending his contract at the Camp Nou it seems Puyol will end his career in the famous ‘Blaugrana’ shirt.

Puyol and coach Josep Guardiola gave the news of the extension to the Barca squad before training on Friday, which lead to Puyol being applauded by his team-mates.

Playmaker Xavi told the media after training that “this is very good news.”

Puyol, 31, is a product of Barca’s famed youth scheme. He was first brought into the first-team squad by Louis van Gaal in 2000.

He has captained Barca to three Spanish league triumphs and to two Champions Leagues.