So about 15 years ago, we were at our lowest ebb. The club had lost its identity, spirit and fight. We had spent a fortune on Overmaars, Petit and the like and we were on a downward spiral. Carles Rexac and Serra Ferrer had taken the club into further depths of despair, but a star, a guiding light came through - Carles Puyol.
Having made his debut in Van Gaal's team of 1999, Puyol established himself a fan favourite as a tough tacking, no nonsense right back. His fight and spirit were loved by the Barça fans and at the depths of our financial and footballing crisis he became captain in 2003.
Puyol has never been one of the great defenders in my opinion but what made him great was his spirit and his ability to instil fight and passion into his team. He also gave Barcelona back to the people - especially the Catalan people. He gave us an identity again, a voice. He with Xavi and later Ronaldinho and then Messi gave us the spine of a wonderful team. For me, Puyol is only equalled by John Terry in passion and this passion won the fans off the field and led the team on the fields.
I cannot express how important a player he has been in the history of Barcelona football club. I said before, in my opinion, he's not a great player in the sense of the word, but he will be remembered as one of our greats.
So thank you Carles for 15 fantastic years. You will be remembered and missed.
Visca Barça i visca Catalunya!!!
Thank you Puyol
posted on 4/3/14
As a Madrid fan, I've got to say I found Puyi one of the most likeable Barça players in my lifetime, and it saddens me to see him have to bow out due to his recurrent injury woes. If anyone deserved to go out on a high, it's Puyol, and I sure as hell hope he's given a fitting tribute.
I'd actually disagree with you xiu, I do consider him a great player - granted, not the most technical, but he more than made up for that with his leadership qualities, which are absolutely essential for any great team. It might seem exaggerated, but I cannot imagine Barça and Spain hitting the heights they did without him.
Hasta siempre Carles.
posted on 4/3/14
I'd actually disagree with you xiu, I do consider him a great player - granted, not the most technical, but he more than made up for that with his leadership qualities, which are absolutely essential for any great team. It might seem exaggerated, but I cannot imagine Barça and Spain hitting the heights they did without him.
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I actually agree. His "world class" attributes are his heart and leadership. Add to that his ability as a good or very good defender and you have a very important player - especially for us. He is part of Barça folklore now.
posted on 5/3/14
posted on 10/3/14
the goal against germany in the WC semi final, was the reason puyol was born
there was no other point to his life than that
posted on 10/4/14
One of the finest Generals ever