Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport

Former Barcelona star Carles Puyol has said that Messi “takes care of himself a lot so he can play until he is 38” and Barcelona should focus on “winning as much as possible with him”.

Former Spanish international Puyol, 41, made the comments when speaking with local media yesterday (Sunday) as he is set to participate in the Laureus World Sports Awards today (Monday) in the German capital Berlin.

When speaking about his relationship with his former club, Puyol said: “I have never distanced myself from Barcelona.

“I have been a supporter since I have the use of logic and will continue to be. I am always open to Barcelona, but it depends on the moment we find ourselves in.”

When asked about his thoughts of Barcelona without their superstar Lionel Messi, the former defender said: “Messi is 32 years old.

“He is a football player that takes care of himself a lot, so he can play until he is 38. He would still have six years left.

“Why are we going to speak of Barcelona without Messi when we still have him around. What we should be talking about is Barcelona with Messi and trying to win as much as possible with him.”

When asked if he would join his former Spain teammate Iker Casillas’ team if he is elected as the Royal Federation of Spanish Football (RFEF) president he said: “Iker is a friend and I would listen to him, joining him is another thing.

“It is a nice position but it requires a lot of responsibility and a lot of time.”

Finally, when speaking about his future, Puyol said: “What I would like to do is play again but that is impossible. It is time to accept it.

“I am at another point in my life enjoying other things. We will see what happens in the future.”

Puyol played his entire professional career at Barcelona from 1999 to 2014 after rising through their youth set up.

He helped the club win La Liga six times and the Champions League three times. Puyol was part of the Spanish national squad that won the country’s first World Cup in 2010.

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