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BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona defender Carles Puyol has decided to leave the club at the end of the season, preferring to take some time off after several injury-filled seasons and putting his football future in doubt. The 35-year-old Puyol has spent his entire career with Barcelona, debuting in 1999. But he has made only 12 appearances this season after returning from a long-term knee injury in October. Puyol has been an essential figure in Barcelonas and Spains recent achievements, including helping Spain win the 2010 World Cup and leading Barcelona to three Champions League titles. Puyol said Barcelona has agreed to rescind his contract at the end of the season despite two years remaining on his deal. "The recovery from my knee injury was more difficult than expected. I cannot perform anymore at the level Id want," Puyol said Tuesday. "When the season ends I need to rest and then we will see. Ive got three months left and Im going to give my all for Barca, but I dont know what Ill do at the end of the season." Puyol did not take questions Tuesday as teammates Gerard Pique, Cristian Tello and Jose Manuel Pinto, and former teammate Ivan de la Pena watched. Puyol is a homegrown success story for the Catalan club, coming through the La Masia youth program like teammates Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. He was nicknamed "Tarzan" for his scraggly locks which shielded his face and intimidated opponents despite his small stature. His energetic and physical style of play fit perfectly with his leadership qualities, earning him the captains armband at Barcelona until recent injury spells. Puyol, who was raised in the Catalan town of Pobla de Segur, trails only Xavi in appearances made for the club. He scored his first goal of the season in Sundays 4-1 win over Almeria. Puyol won his first trophy with the club in the 2004-05 season -- the first of six league titles. He also won the Club World Cup, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and European Super Cup to go along with Champions League titles in 2006, 09, and 11. At the World Cup in South Africa, Puyol headed in the winning goal in the 1-0 semifinal victory over Germany. "Hes a reference for every player and a leader on the field of play," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. Wholesale Football Jerseys . PETERSBURG, Fla. Soccer Jerseys From China . - Maynor Figueroa headed in a late goal to give Honduras a 1-1 draw with the United States in an international friendly Tuesday. http://www.soccerjerseysauthentic.com/?tag=cheap-paris-saint-germain-jerseys . According to a release sent by the league, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were the only team to exceed the cap. Their total salary expenditure of $4,417,975 was $17,975 over the salary cap of $4. Wholesale Soccer Jerseys Authentic . His Brazilian opponents said he produced miracles. There is no doubt that Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was the one responsible for spoiling Brazils hopes of another World Cup victory at its home tournament. Cheap Ronaldo Jersey . Four years after winning gold on home ice in Vancouver, the Canadians will get a chance to make it two in a row Sunday against Sweden after beating the United States 1-0 in the Olympic semifinals Friday at Bolshoy Ice Dome.What a week its been on Sky Sports News HQ - so many big stories. On the Sky Sports Now podcast, we reflect on the sacking of Roberto Martinez with Paul Merson, and a former Watford striker tells us what needs to happen at the club after Quique Sanchez Flores announced he was leaving at the end of the season. Listen Now! Click here to access the latest Sky Sports Now podcast... Sunderland survived, whilst Newcastle and Norwich were relegated to the Championship - we get the thoughts of goalkeeper Rob Green on the futures of Alex Neil and Rafa Benitez.Another goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer joined us in the studio too - he shared with us the secret to hhis club Leicesters success.dddddddddddd Sky Sports Now Podcast - 13th May Michael ONeill has been linked with the Celtic managers job, but would he be interested in taking over at Celtic Park after the European Championships? Find out on the Sky Sports Now podcast.Remember Sky Sports Now is on every weekday from 10am - join us next week when well welcome guests including Paul Ince, Danny Higginbotham and Paul Lambert and as England announce their squad for the European Championships, Stuart Pearce and Alan Smith will join us to focus on Roy Hodgsons selections. Also See: Flores to leave Watford Everton sack Martinez More from Sky Sports News HQ Sky Sports Podcasts ' ' '