Barcelona captain Carles Puyol committed himself on Sunday to continuing to play international soccer until 2012.

The 32-year-old, who has played 90 times for Spain, was a key part of the Spanish side that won this summer's World Cup final in South Africa. Indeed it was his headed goal in the semifinal against Germany that guaranteed Spain's place in the final.

There had been speculation that the defender would choose to end his international career on a high, but Puyol has decided to continue representing his country for two more years.

"After having given the matter a lot of thought, I have decided to continue with the national team for two more years. After speaking with my companions, with the coach (Vicente del Bosque) and Fernando Hierro (technical secretary of the Spanish Football Federation) and friends, I have decided to take this decision," he announced on his personal website.

The decision means Puyol will now be available for the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine, as Spain look to retain the European crown it won in 2008.

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