Carles Puyol's career is nearing its end. On May 2012, Puyol suffered a knee injury against RCD Espanyol.
What happened?
Puyol required arthroscopic surgery, causing him to miss the European tournament.
Why it matters for Carles Puyol
The injury affected his presence on the Spanish national team.
Puyol won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup for Spain.
What comes next?
Barcelona is working on a one-year contract extension for Puyol.
The 34-year-old defender may face less playing time due to his age and injury.
Barcelona has been linked with Liverpool's Daniel Agger to help with the centre back situation.
Puyol has been the captain of Barca since 2004.
He has won 18 major titles in over a decade with the team.
The club may also make a run at promising Lyon defender Dejan Lovren.
Puyol's future on the national team is uncertain.
He said in August 2010 that he would play for Spain for at least another two years.
This makes it unlikely that he'll be back for another major tournament.
Puyol's time in the spotlight could begin to dwindle sooner rather than later.