Barcelona's talismanic defender Carles Puyol, who has been plagued by a spate of injury problems, said on Wednesday he has no intention of retiring and was instead hoping to extend his contract with the Spanish champions.
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The 35-year-old Spanish international has not played since he underwent a serious operation on his right knee in March.
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He had another operation on the same knee in May to remove a Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst - a benign swelling that occurs behind the knee joint - prompting speculation that he could put an end to his football career.
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But asked by Catalan sports daily El Mundo Deportivo if he was going to retire, Puyol said: "Now is not the moment. I am not going to retire. As much as I have suffered, the excitement and the eagerness to play remain.
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"If next season I am not fit and something similar happens to me I will consider it,but right now I feel that I want to carry out my contract and, if I can, extend it," he added in an interview published in the online edition of the newspaper.
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"I am recovering slowly but progressing very well.
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This operation is not like the others. The post operation period is more painful but the recovery is faster."
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Puyol, whose current contract with Barcelona runs until June 2016, said he was not sure if he would continue to make international appearances for Spain.
I really feel he should retire once and for all. Barcelona does not even need his services as much as before. He shouldn't push his luck.