Carles Puyol leaves Barca after club removes Andoni Zubizarreta as director of football

Spanish giants Barcelona have removed Andoni Zubizarreta from his position as director of football, while former club captain Carles Puyol has also left his position as assistant sports director.

According to a Barcelona statement, President Josep Maria Bartomeu had decided to terminate Zubizarreta's contract with immediate effect, thanking him for his contribution, dedication and professionalism over the last four years in his role at the head of the club's football area, the BBC reported.

Commenting on his resignation, Puyol said that past three and a half months had given him the opportunity to see another side of the club, adding that he wanted to grow both personally and professionally so that he could return to the Camp Nou and give back everything they had given him during those unforgettable years, the report added.

Zubizarreta assumed the role at Camp Nou in summer 2010, whereas Puyol, a three-time Champions League winner, moved into the position following his retirement in the summer.