Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has said Carles Puyol’s decision to leave Camp Nou hasn’t taken him by surprise.
In an interview with a Catalonian radio station it was put to Zubizarreta that Barcelona have to undergo a major overhaul this summer, with Victor Valdes also leaving the club.
“It’s not news. We knew half way through last week and we had a conversation about his future two years ago, ” Zubi replied.
“We knew Valdes was going and we know Puyol is too, and they have been and still are two important members of our staff.
“Those two changes forces us to do more than just tinkering.”
Zubi was asked who would captain the side in the absence of Puyol, and who would replace Valdes as one of the team captains.
“Such roles aren’t handed out by anyone who knows a locker room,” he said.
“They’re not designated and there’s no one to say ‘now we will do this’.
“The captains will be decided by these players who have the age and experience to know about competition and this club.”
