BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona defender Carles Puyol has decided to leave the club at the end of the season, preferring to take some time off after several injury-filled seasons and putting his football future in doubt. The 35-year-old Puyol has spent his entire career with Barcelona, debuting in 1999. But he has made only 12 appearances this season after returning from a long-term knee injury in October. Puyol has been an essential figure in Barcelonas and Spains recent achievements, including helping Spain win the 2010 World Cup and leading Barcelona to three Champions League titles. Puyol said Barcelona has agreed to rescind his contract at the end of the season despite two years remaining on his deal. "The recovery from my knee injury was more difficult than expected. I cannot perform anymore at the level Id want," Puyol said Tuesday. "When the season ends I need to rest and then we will see. Ive got three months left and Im going to give my all for Barca, but I dont know what Ill do at the end of the season." Puyol did not take questions Tuesday as teammates Gerard Pique, Cristian Tello and Jose Manuel Pinto, and former teammate Ivan de la Pena watched. Puyol is a homegrown success story for the Catalan club, coming through the La Masia youth program like teammates Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. He was nicknamed "Tarzan" for his scraggly locks which shielded his face and intimidated opponents despite his small stature. His energetic and physical style of play fit perfectly with his leadership qualities, earning him the captains armband at Barcelona until recent injury spells. Puyol, who was raised in the Catalan town of Pobla de Segur, trails only Xavi in appearances made for the club. He scored his first goal of the season in Sundays 4-1 win over Almeria. Puyol won his first trophy with the club in the 2004-05 season -- the first of six league titles. He also won the Club World Cup, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and European Super Cup to go along with Champions League titles in 2006, 09, and 11. At the World Cup in South Africa, Puyol headed in the winning goal in the 1-0 semifinal victory over Germany. "Hes a reference for every player and a leader on the field of play," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. Chicago Bears Jerseys . Seager had another triple, a home run and a double in a rare feat not seen in more than 40 years, leading Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners past the New York Yankees 10-2. "It was a weird play," Seager said of the triple in the fourth inning. Walter Payton Jersey . Vonn had another scary moment at Saturdays World Cup downhill in Val dIsere, ending up clutching her knee in pain after losing her balance and missing a gate. But she gave a reassuring answer shortly afterward, saying no new damage had been done to the surgically repaired knee, and that her plans for the Sochi Olympics were still intact. http://www.officialchicagobearspro.com/Mike-singletary-bears-jersey/ .C. -- The Bobcats announced theyve signed centre Justin Hamilton to a 10-day contract. Jim McMahon Jersey . "After consultation with the Team USA medical staff and officials, it was determined that he should return to Winnipeg as a precaution due to his previous injury history," Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said Wednesday in a statement. Tom Waddle Jersey . "First, I would like to offer my deepest and sincerest apologies for any harm I have inflicted on University of Missouri defensive lineman, Michael Sam," the statement read.Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca. Hi Kerry, In the third period of Game 6 between the Bruins and Canadiens, Boston came within millimetres of getting one past Carey Price. Zdeno Charas shot from the point bounced off Carey Price and into the air before dropping right in the crease. David Desharnais then swept it away with his glove, but should a penalty shot have been called??? David KrastBoston David: The answer to your question is found in Rule 67 - handling the puck. Generally speaking anytime a player places his hand over the puck while it is on the ice in order to conceal if from or prevent an opponent from playing the puck, a minor penalty shall be assessed for "closing his hand on the puck". When this is done in his teams goal crease area, a penalty shot shall be assessed. More specifically to David Desharnais handling of the puck as it was about to cross the goal line following the shot by Zdeno Chara, rule 67.4 states; if a defending player, except a goalkeeper, while play is in progress, falls on the puck, holds the puck, picks up the puck, or gathers the puck into his body or hands from the ice in the goal crease area, the play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. In the application of this rule a player is allowed to bat, drag, push or sweep the puck clear of the goal crease with an oppen palm or closed fist so long as this action does not cover the puck in any manner.dddddddddddd. David Desharnais legally handled the puck in the goal crease area when he dove and contacted the side portion of the puck with a closed glove (tight fist versus open palm on top of the puck) and bunted/dragged the puck with a swift, forceful motion from narrowly crossing the line. This legal action by Desharnais propelled the puck away from the goal line toward and under Carey Price to stop play. It is important to note David, that had the puck had come to rest and been covered under the body of Desharnais instead of Price, a penalty shot would have resulted. It was a tremendous defensive play by the Montreal forward to prevent a sure goal through the legal use of his hand on the puck inside the goal crease. Referee Kelly Sutherland also did an outstanding job to attack the net along the goal line as this play developed and then to wave off a potential goal and penalty shot from his final location directly behind the net. As a result of Sutherlands attack angle and close finish behind the net, the referee was able to clearly determine that the puck had not crossed the goal line nor had Desharnais covered the puck with his hand or body. On this crucial play inside the goal crease, referee Sutherland demonstrated excellent visual awareness to read the play and then quickly move his feet to gain the optimum position to render the correct call. Game 7 back in Boston should be a real dandy. 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