Carles Puyol never shied away from a challenge during his playing days and it would appear that he hasn’t simmered in his retirement.The former Barcelona defender, now an agent, produced a horrendous, studs-up challenge on Phil Neville during Spain’s 4-1 win over England at the inaugural Star Sixes tournament.The competition, staged at London’s O2 Arena, sees 12 teams of renowned former international players gearing up for a return to action.And there are plenty of star-studded names. Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo are turning out for Brazil, Steven Gerrard is in England’s side and Michael Ballack, Alessandro Del Piero, Jay-Jay Okocha and Robert Pires have also travelled to play.But if you thought the ex-pros would take things lightly, Puyol’s tackle on Neville proves that’s certainly not the case.Check it out below.It prompted an excited response from Jamie Carrgher, who works with Neville’s brother Gary for Sky Sports.“Yeerrrssss!!!!! Love it puyol,” the Liverpool legend wrote on Twitter.
Neville joked on social media: “Ref waves play on!!!,” which prompted a response from Puyol.
He wrote: “Sorry man!! I hope your knee is fine. I didn't mean to do it. 🙔.
Yeah, right.
Fortunately for Puyol, Neville saw the funny side of the Spaniard’s horror tackle.
"It's the worst tackle I've ever seen on a football field. I hope UEFA, FIFA and the FA all have a look at this," the former Everton and Manchester United player said, per the Telegraph.
"The thing that upset me more than anything was the referee said he got the ball! Honestly, it was a horrendous tackle.
"I've just had a word with Paul [Scholes], hopefully he can sort him out."
England were beaten 4-1 by a Spain on the opening night of the tournament, despite going ahead through Michael Owen.
Neville, Owen, Gerrard and Emile Heskey all played for England but Luis Garcia’s double and goals from Alfonso Perez and Joan Capdevila gave the Spaniards the win.
England will take on Scotland on Friday night. The Scots defeated Mexico 3-1 thanks to goals from Simon Donelly, Barry Ferguson and Mark Burchill.