Carles Puyol: Barcelona asked me to cut my hair, but I didn't keep my promise
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Carles Puyol revealed that Barcelona asked him to cut his long hair before signing him for the first team.
- Puyol agreed to the request but ultimately did not keep his promise, humorously noting it was the only one he ever broke.
- The former Barcelona captain's distinctive long hair became an iconic part of his image, alongside his passionate play.
Carles Puyol, a figure synonymous with Barcelona, shared a surprising anecdote from his early days at the club. Before becoming a captain and one of the team's most iconic defenders, Puyol faced a peculiar demand from club officials: he had to cut his long hair to finalize his agreement.
When I was joining Barcelona, they told me that I had to cut my hair if they were going to sign me.
Puyol agreed to the request, but he admitted with a laugh that it was the only promise he ever made and didn't keep. This decision later led to a humorous misunderstanding with then-coach Louis van Gaal. When asked about his hair, Puyol explained he didn't have time to cut it, which Van Gaal misinterpreted as him lacking the money for a haircut.
I said yes, but that is the only promise I have ever made and not kept.
Ultimately, Puyol's distinctive long hair became an inseparable part of his image, much like his passion, fighting spirit, and dedication to Barcelona. The story highlights a lighter moment in the career of a player whose commitment on the field was as legendary as his memorable hairstyle.
The first time he asked me if I didn't have money to get a haircut. I told him I didn't have time.
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.