Puyol - I want to go on for many more years
Puyol - I want to go on for many more years
Carles Puyol has rejected the idea of retiring from international football, after being ruled out of Euro 2012 with a knee injury.
"The rumours that I will retire from the national team? I want to retire on the pitch, not in the operating room," the experienced defender told reporters at a press conference.
"I was looking forward to playing my 100th game for Spain and to be at Euro 2012. I think it will very difficult to make the tournament, though. Looking at the recovery time needed, it's impossible."
"However, I'm in good spirits. These things happen, although it's at a bad moment. I'm looking forward to starting the recovery process after the surgery."
"I want to go on for many more years. I always say five or six. I will take care of myself. If I can make my 100th appearance for Spain later on, that's fine too."
The 34-year-old defender made debut for La Furia Roja in November 2000, in a friendly match against Netherlands, and has since made 99 appearances for the World and European champions.