Carles Puyol has announced he is leaving his position at Barcelona on the same day Andoni Zubizarreta was sacked as sporting director.
Puyol took a role in the administrative side of the club over the summer but in a statement published on his Facebook page, has said he has ‘terminated his employment’ with La Blaugrana.
“These three-and-a-half months have given me the opportunity to see the other side of the club,” Puyol wrote.
“I learned a lot. I’m very grateful and now I want to experience other things from a different perspective and from elsewhere.
“I want to grow both personally and professionally so that, in the future, I can return to my home and give back everything you have given me during these unforgettable years.
“I remain extremely grateful to the employees, directors, President and sporting department for trusting me and helping me in this transition, which wasn’t easy.
“And especially the fans. If as I player I felt close to you, since my retirement, I feel much closer.
“I have been and am very lucky to feel so much love, so I can only say thank you and to know I always carry you in my heart.”
