Spain can continue to count on the services of Carles Puyol until UEFA EURO 2012, the FC Barcelona defender has confirmed.

Puyol started every game of Spain's triumphant 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign in South Africa and will now be on hand to help them through qualifying for UEFA EURO 2012 and the finals in Poland and Ukraine. "After several rounds of talks I have decided to continue with the team for two more years," said the 32-year-old. "I have spoken with colleagues, the coach [Vicente del Bosque], Fernando Hierro and friends before making this decision."

Centre-back Puyol, scorer of Spain's goal in their 1-0 World Cup semi-final victory over Germany, was also a member of the team that won UEFA EURO 2008. The European champions begin their qualification attempt for the 2012 finals against Liechtenstein on 3 September. They will also face Lithuania, Scotland and the Czech Republic in Group I.