Barcelona captain Carles Puyol wants to come back stronger from his injury and play until he is 40.
The Spain international defender has missed the last two-and-a-half months with a knee problem, sparking rumours he may retire.
However, the 35-year-old has insisted his recovery is going well and he plans to be back representing the La Liga champions next season and beyond.
Puyol also reiterated his desire to see out his contract, which expires in 2016, and play until he reaches 40 years of age.
“My future is at Barca,” he said.
“I have three years remaining on my contract and I want to play competitively until I’m 40, I’m going to fight for it.”
Puyol has been absent for Barca’s run-in, which saw them lift the La Liga title but bow out of the UEFA Champions League, and he insists he will be ready for training ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.
“The idea is to keep on working. I have a plan prepared so that I can by at 100 percent for the pre-season,” he explained.
Barcelona announced the departure of Frenchman Eric Abidal yesterday and Puyol was full of praise for his team-mate.
“He’s the example we should follow, he’s a friend and Cule for life,” he said.
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