Carlos Puyol has revealed that he is also leaving Barcelona in light of the club's decision to sack Andoni Zubizarreta as sporting director.
Puyol had been acting as assistant to Zubizarreta since the start of this season, but the long-serving centre-back has now announced his departure from the Catalan outfit.
"These three-and-a-half months have given me the opportunity to see the other side of the club," Puyol wrote on his official Facebook page.
"I learned a lot. I'm very grateful and now I want to experience other things from a different perspective and from elsewhere. I want to grow both personally and professionally so that, in the future, I can return to my home and give back everything you have given me during these unforgettable years.
"I remain extremely grateful to the employees, directors, president and sporting department for trusting me and helping me in this transition, which wasn't easy. And especially the fans. If as I player I felt close to you, since my retirement, I feel much closer.
"I have been and am very lucky to feel so much love, so I can only say thank you and to know I always carry you in my heart."
The Barcelona board are due to meet on Wednesday to discuss head coach Luis Enrique, who has come under criticism following Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad.
Matt Law
