Something about THe Best DEfender...
Carles Puyol is the “enfant- du-pays” dream come true. The Catalan defender began his career with La Pobla de Segur as a goalkeeper when he was a kid, but he was soon forced to switch his position to become a striker. FC Barcelona called him in 1995, when he joined the Blaugrana’s youth team. In 1999, first team Louis van Gaal made him debut in La Liga championship. During his first years, he was considered most of all a right back. But when Frank Rijkaard came in, he found a new dimension as centre back. And he becomes one of the best in the world (Best European centre back in 2005, 2006, 2008 and UEFA Club Best Defender in 2006).
At the end of the 2003-04 season he became FC Barcelona captain, after Luis Enrique’s retirement and on 16 September 2008 he made his 400th appearance in all competitions for the Spanish giants. Now he is the third player with more official matches with more than 500, surpassing legend Carles Rexach. The time is passing, but Puyol is always a regular for new manager Pep Guardiola. Even if sometimes is forced to play on the left flank. As an International player, he won his first cap on 15 November 2000 against Netherlands and he is still a regular. His highest moment seemed to be Euro 2008 triumph, when he was named in the Team of the Tournament. But in the 2010 World Cup he played even better, also scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final won against Germany. He announced he will play for la Roja until 2012 Euro Cup.
In 2006, Puyol said that when not working, he leads "a very quiet life... I've not been to a nightclub in Barcelona for years either. When I go out, I stay in a restaurant with my friends." He practices yoga and Pilates, and according to a friend, Thubten Wangchen, is highly interested in Tibetan Buddhism and culture. Puyol met the Dalai Lama in 2007.His father, Josep Puyol, died in a farming accident in 2006 while Carles was on his way to play a match against Deportivo de La Coruña. He was informed by coach Frank Rijkaard upon landing". He has said that this combined with an injury led to a dark period. Spanish National Team physio, Raúl Martínez, came to Barcelona and in Carles' words "gave me a great telling off. He made me react, and I began to try to be more cheerful, and not overwhelmed by it all."
In 2009, Puyol told Goal.com: "I do not like to go out much, although it is good to disconnect and I like to read." His musical tastes include the band Napalm Death. In the TV show 'crackovia', Puyol has a sheep called Queca. The animal they gave him is a sheep because of his long curly hair.
Puyol's long shaggy hair has been a distinctive feature throughout his career. Louis van Gaal, who at the time was the FC Barcelona coach, suggested he get it cut when Puyol was 19, Van Gaal had already made clear his feelings about Puyol when, after his first training session with the senior players, he called the defender, then 19, into his office. "What's your problem, can't you afford the money for a haircut?" Van Gaal asked him. "I said nothing," Puyol remembered, "and to this day have kept my hair as it is.".
He's been in a relationship with Spanish model Malena Costa since September 2010. They were first seen together in an Alejandro Sanz concert in Barcelona, a month later Puyol confirmed the relationship on October 16, 2010 at Camp Nou dedicating his winning header against Valencia CF (2-1), by making a heart symbol with both hands. “I dedicate the goal to my girlfriend,” said Puyol after the game. On November 5 they made their first public appearance at the Cirque du Soleil’s show ‘Varekai’ in Barcelona. They have been rumored to have planned a wedding but Puyol immediately denied such stories.
Did you know?
- He made his first team debut in 1999 under Louis Van Gaal, when visiting FC Barcelona beat Valladolid 2- 0.
- Apart 3 appearances with Catalunya, since his professional debut (1999) he only played for FC Barcelona and Spain.
- When he was promoted from FC Barcelona “B team” is position was right back.
- He extended his contract until summer 2016 in June 2010, when he will be 36 years old
