Carles Puyol has spoken of his pleasure at taking a role as assistant to Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.
It was confirmed on Friday that Puyol would retire as a player this summer and, from September, join La Blaugrana’s administrative department to work with Zubi.
“I want to thank Barcelona for all that it has given me before and for this chance that has arisen now,” the captain told the club’s official website.
“I will try to the very best I can, and especially to learn a lot. I have always played football and tried to do so as well as possible, and I’ll be doing the same with this.
“Now I need some time to rest and continue treatment on my knee, but I am really looking forward to it. I am very excited about this new stage of my life.”
Zubizarreta added that Puyol has been appointed not as a token but because the club value the defender’s opinions.
“We will be making the most of his experience,” the former goalkeeper said.
“We also want people to realise how much he knows. He will be an assistant to the sports management, so he’ll be working with me on club projects, both internally and externally.
“We’ll be working in more external areas like marketing and finance, and in the technical secretary area.
“I am sure I’ll learn a lot from him. We’ll have him close to all the teams. It’s a unique opportunity.
“A couple of years ago we spoke about what would be best for him and I’m sure he’ll come to realise that is what he’ll enjoy the most.”
