7 legends who were true gentlemen of the game

#6 Carles Puyol

One of the finest defenders of the game Puyol has set an example of leadership and sportsman spirit for the next generation of football players. The former Spanish international made 593 appearances in the colours of Barcelona and is considered one of the best defenders the club has ever had.

Puyol is a true representation of the modern defender. He had good positional awareness and was very composed on the ball. These skills helped him become an integral cog in the legendary era of Pep Guardiola.

Puyol has always been a reserved person and it showed on the pitch as well. He has been the voice of reason on several occasions, ensuring his players acted sensibly during any confrontations they were involved in during a match.

One memorable incident where he showed his professionalism was in 2005. In a game against Mallorca one of their defenders Ballesteros was sent off after a rash challenge. While walking off the pitch, Puyol went over to the player to calm him down only to be slapped in the face. Ronaldinho on seeing this rushed over in anger only to be stopped by Puyol himself.

Five years later AC Milan travelled to the Camp Nou in the Champions League game, the first time Ronaldinho was going to face his former teammates. In a wonderful gesture of kindness Puyol called the Brazilian over so that he could take a pose for the Barcelona team photo.

In a career of many highs, these are the moments that truly make him stand out from the rest.