Carles Puyol has admitted that Pep Guardiola's upcoming departure is a "heavy blow" to the Barcelona team.

Guardiola informed the players of his decision on Friday and captain Puyol claims that all of the players wanted him to stay at the Catalan club.

"It is a heavy blow that Guardiola leaves," he said, "Inside the dressing room, we all wanted him to stay.

"He told us on Friday morning, right before the training session.

"We will forever be thankful to him. He has left a lot of things in football. He marked an era and that is very important."

Guardiola's assistant Tito Vilanova has been confirmed as Barcelona's new head coach for next season.