Carles Puyol will be joining Barcelona's technical staff to work under current sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.

"I want to thank FC Barcelona for all that it has given me before and for this chance that has arisen now," he said.

"I will try to the very best I can, and especially to learn a lot. I have always played football and tried to do so as well as possible, and I'll be doing the same with this. Now I need some time to rest and continue treatment on my knee, but I am really looking forward to it. I am very excited about this new stage of my life."

Zubizarreta also told the club's site that his new assistant would play a role in all areas off the pitch, from marketing projects to assessing the current squad's strengths and weaknesses.

"Puyol is joining the Football Department and we will be seeking to exploit and learn from all of his experience. We also want people to realise how much he knows," Zubi said.