Top 5 footballers who may retire at the end of the season

Puyol is one of the greatest defenders of his generation

3. Carles Puyol- The shaggy haired defender has been Barcelona’s rock for many years making 558 appearances for his boyhood club.

The 35-year-old has won 6 La Liga’s, 2 Copa Del Ray’s, 2 Club World Cups, 6 Spanish Super Cups and 3 Champions Leagues with the Camp Nou outfit. On a personal note Puyol has been included in the UEFA Team of the Year 6 times along being included in the FIFA XI on 3 occasions.

The defender has amassed 100 caps for the national team, and has won a World Cup and the Euro 2008 with La Roja. The Barca skipper has some extraordinary leadership skills along with amazing work ethic.

Team-mate and defensive partner Gerard Pique once said: “He’s someone who, even if you’re winning 3–0 and there’s a few seconds left in the game will shout at the top of his voice at you if he thinks your concentration is going”.

The recent seasons saw Puyol struggle with numerous injury problems but the defender managed to overcome the odds and still give it his best.

Xavi once remarked “Puyol is the key, not just because he is one of the best defenders in the world but because of his character. He never lets up”.

The center back has made just 7 appearances this season for Barcelona and may call time on his footballing career after the FIFA World Cup. There are many talented defenders on Barcelona’s books but the Catlan club will have a hard time replacing their heart.