Die Jäger des Schicksals » n an essential figure in Barcelonas and Sp

BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona defender Carles Puyol has decided to leave the club at the end of the season, preferring to take some time off after several injury-filled seasons and putting his football future in doubt. The 35-year-old Puyol has spent his entire career with Barcelona, debuting in 1999. But he has made only 12 appearances this season after returning from a long-term knee injury in October. Puyol has been an essential figure in Barcelonas and Spains recent achievements, including helping Spain win the 2010 World Cup and leading Barcelona to three Champions League titles. Puyol said Barcelona has agreed to rescind his contract at the end of the season despite two years remaining on his deal. "The recovery from my knee injury was more difficult than expected. I cannot perform anymore at the level Id want," Puyol said Tuesday. "When the season ends I need to rest and then we will see. Ive got three months left and Im going to give my all for Barca, but I dont know what Ill do at the end of the season." Puyol did not take questions Tuesday as teammates Gerard Pique, Cristian Tello and Jose Manuel Pinto, and former teammate Ivan de la Pena watched. Puyol is a homegrown success story for the Catalan club, coming through the La Masia youth program like teammates Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. He was nicknamed "Tarzan" for his scraggly locks which shielded his face and intimidated opponents despite his small stature. His energetic and physical style of play fit perfectly with his leadership qualities, earning him the captains armband at Barcelona until recent injury spells. Puyol, who was raised in the Catalan town of Pobla de Segur, trails only Xavi in appearances made for the club. He scored his first goal of the season in Sundays 4-1 win over Almeria. Puyol won his first trophy with the club in the 2004-05 season -- the first of six league titles. He also won the Club World Cup, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and European Super Cup to go along with Champions League titles in 2006, 09, and 11. At the World Cup in South Africa, Puyol headed in the winning goal in the 1-0 semifinal victory over Germany. "Hes a reference for every player and a leader on the field of play," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. John Kruk Jersey . Forward Iker Muniain scored the winner in the 70th minute after Bilbaos incessant pressure recovered the ball and sparked a counterattack inside Barcelonas half. Neymar was once again tagged to pick up Messis goal-scoring duties, but when he wasnt frustrated by slippery footing Bilbaos defence got the better of him. Steve Carlton Jersey . They know how difficult it is to beat the San Antonio Spurs. George scored 28 points and Indiana defeated San Antonio 111-100 on Saturday night, snapping an 11-game skid against the Spurs. http://www.cheapphilliesjerseyschina.com/greg-luzinski-jersey/ . - After sewage backups, toilet overflows and foul smells surfaced the past two years, nothing at the Oakland Coliseum surprises the home team anymore. Rhys Hoskins Jersey . The 10-year deal the league and players agreed to that ended the 2011 lockout gave either side the right to opt out after six years. With the league projecting financial growth, there has been speculation that players will take that option in three years, especially since a new national TV contract will be in place by then. Wholesale Phillies Jerseys . In their first meeting for six years, the Frenchmen dropped serve twice in the first set, but Giquel broke Simon two more times in the second. Gicquel moves on to face sixth-seeded Jarkko Nieminen of Finland, who advanced with a 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) win against wild card Pierre-Hugues Herbert, despite the Frenchmans 23 aces.LONDON -- Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been handed a two-match ban by the English Football Association for making an abusive gesture toward Manchester City fans during a Premier League match. The FA rejected Wilsheres appeal that the length of his punishment was "clearly excessive" and said Thursday his suspension begins with immediate effect. He will miss league matches against Chelsea on Monday and West Ham on DDec.dddddddddddd 26. The England international raised his middle finger toward City supporters during Saturdays game at Etihad Stadium, which Arsenal lost 6-3. The incident wasnt seen by match officials at the time but the FA charged Wilshere retrospectively after a panel studied video footage. Blackpool winger Tom Ince was given a two-game ban when he was retrospectively charged for a similar incident this season. 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