Carles Puyol will not be returning to Barcelona in an administrative role after he turned down an offer to become the club's sporting director on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old left his post as assistant to former sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta in January 2015, and collected a wealth of winners medals during his playing days with the Blaugrana, including six La Liga titles and three Champions League final successes.

"After weighing (it up) a lot, I have decided not to accept the club's offer," Puyol explained on Twitter, with translation from BBC Sport.

"It has not been an easy decision, since I have always said that I would like to return to what I consider my home, but several personal projects in which I am immersed (mean) I would be prevented at this time from giving you the exclusive dedication that the position deserves.

"I would like to thank the club for the trust placed in me by offering me this position of so much responsibility."

Puyol would have reunited with former Barcelona teammates Eric Abidal and Patrick Kluivert in the club's sporting department if he accepted the position.