Transfer rumors are always easy to create, and they always manage to cause quite a stir, even if they are the furthest thing from the truth. It’s impossible to imagine certain players in a different uniform after getting used to only one set through the years. Carles Puyol might not be the player he once was, with age and injuries taking their toll, but not playing for Barcelona seems like something that’s pure imagination.
And yet, in recent days, rumors of the interest coming from AC Milan have surfaced. Puyol has played only 13 times for the first team this season in the La Liga, being a major part of the defensive breakdowns that have plagued the team all season. It has hurt the club and Gerard Pique personally, who know looks like an overrated centre back, “making it” only thanks to the presence of Puyol next to him with the Spanish team and Barcelona.
All the information that is coming out is false. I am just focused on recovering well and being at my best for next season.
Rumors of Puyol to Milan were easy to create after the centre back spoke of his love for the Italian team before they met in the Champions League back in February. He talked of being a Milan fan, but has no plans retiring anywhere else but Barcelona.
For Barcelona’s sake, Puyol’s presence has to be kept, yet his importance needs to be diminished. There comes a point where heart can’t triumph over the damages of time and physical beatings. Puyol isn’t fast enough to be an everyday starter for the team, even if he’s a huge part of the most successful period in the history of the club spanning over a decade.
For their sake, a new centre back of high quality has to be purchased, so the talk of the defense being the blame for everything can be extinguished. Puyol will be a part of the team next season no matter what, and keeping his experience and leadership is essential. But as an on field captain and essential player? Barcelona need to move in a younger, and frankly more talented direction.