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. Asics Gel Lyte Iii Shop Online . 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. Scarpe Fashion Asics Gel Lyte III . A person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press on Saturday that Cruz will earn about $8.5 million, and can make more in performance bonuses.New Balance Bambino 2015 .Va. - New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is eager to work with Michael Vick, even if it means a hotly contested competition for the starting job.The NHLs Mar. 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell while figuring out which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value. Check out todays trade-related reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. And follow TSN.ca through Deadline Day for all the updates. Kadri On The Move? On Leafs Breakfast on TSN Radio 1050 on Thursday, TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger said believes that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri is available in trade discussions, but that the club is not eager to move him because of their weakness at the centre position. "I have been told bluntly by Dave Nonis that he needs a centre in return," Dreger said. "Who is going to give you a better centre for one they think might develop into a better centre? "This one is going to be crafty. Asics Gel Lyte v Italia. . I do think he gets moved this year, but its going to be a delicate one." Net Market On NHL Network on Wednesday, Dreger added that he didnt believe the Carolina Hurricanes are actively shopping goaltender Cam Ward - but they could be intrigued by the possibility and it could take a significant offer to convince the team to move him. He also said that Michal Neuvirth could be the odd man out with the Washington Capitals, but general manager George McPhee isnt calling around trying to move him. Status Quo On Erat? Chuck Gormley of Comcast SportsNet in Washington writes that Capitals winger Martin Erat has been scratched for a fourth straight game and his agent is still talking with McPhee about a deal, but nothing has changed in Erats desire to be traded. Cheap Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Cheap JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys ' ' '
