Carles Puyol considering joining New York City FC or Qatari team

Barcelona legend Carles Puyol has resumed training and is rumored to be considering coming out retirement in order to play in the United States or sign a lucrative deal in Qatar.

Puyol, after struggling struggling with persistent knee injuries, retired from soccer last May following fifteen years at his boyhood club. His last game and last goal for the Catalan club was on March 3, 2014 against Almeria at the Camp Nou.

Over the course of his career, the Barcelona captain won La Liga six times and led his side to three UEFA Champions League titles.

After his retirement, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu gave Puyol a job as the club’s assistant director of football, but when ex-sports director Andoni Zubizarreta was fired, the legendary defender decided to leave his position as well.

Now, the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo is reporting Puyol is contemplating a return to football with the Major League Soccer franchise New York City FC, or with his former Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernandez – who is expected to sign with the Qatari side Al-Sadd this summer.

Puyol is currently training with Barcelona with an eye on returning to action in the near future.

New York City FC still have room for one more designated player, but the prospect of playing alongside his former Barcelona teammate Xavi in Qatar could prove to be vital towards Puyol’s final decision should he ultimately decide to come out of retirement.