Marc Pujol Set for Farewell 124th Cap in Andorra's Friendly vs Liechtenstein

Marc Pujol is poised to play his 124th and final match for Andorra's national football team in today's 7pm friendly against Liechtenstein at the Nou Estadi de la FAF, capping a 26-year career with 123 prior appearances, five goals, and four assists.

The 43-year-old midfielder, who debuted at 17 in a 2000 friendly against Albania under David Rodrigo, has featured in 12 of Andorra's 14 historic wins. He ranks third in caps behind Ildefons Lima (137) and Márcio Vieira (129), with his most recent goal coming in October 2024 against San Marino. Persistent knee problems, including a cruciate ligament rupture at 35 followed by a relapse, have prompted his retirement. "I've noticed both my body and knee giving me signals," Pujol explained, noting plans for surgery and possibly a prosthesis in the coming years to resume skiing and playing with his son.

Coach Koldo Álvarez de Eulate made four changes from the recent 1-0 loss to Iraq at Montilivi, adding Iker Álvarez de Eulate (back after finishing the season with Córdoba), Chus Rubio, Kiko Pomares, and Cucu Fernández. Dropped were goalkeeper Álex Ruiz, Èric de Pablos, Christian García, and Joao Teixeira. The full squad includes goalkeepers Marc de Castro and Josep Gomes; defenders Biel Borra, Marc Garcia, Joel Guillén, Max Llovera, Moi San Nicolás, and Ian Olivera; midfielders Pau Babot, Èric de las Heras, Hugo Ferreira, Ot Remolins, and Marc Vales; and forwards Jordi Aláez, Guillaume López, Gerard Solà, Aron Rodrigo, and Àlex Martínez.

The match marks Moi San Nicolás's 100th cap, with Álvarez de Eulate praising his perseverance and composure as an example for others. He described Pujol as defining the national team through his approach and play, adding that "teammates always wanted to pass him the ball because something would happen." Álvarez de Eulate anticipates Liechtenstein's direct style under Konrad Fünfstück, emphasizing strong marking, transitions, and better ball retention than against Iraq.

Pujol recently lifted the Copa Constitució with Atlètic Escaldes and reflected on evolving from a veteran-led squad—including Lucendo, Emiliano, Justo, Koldo, and the Lima brothers—to today's young talents like Iker Álvarez, Berto Rosas, Ot Remolins, Aron Rodrigo, Pau Babot, and Hugo Ferreira. He cherishes the home win over Hungary shortly after coach Emili Vicente's death as his most special moment and Old Trafford's atmosphere against England as a highlight. Optimistic about Andorra's future, he credits improved conditioning, technology, federation standards, and under-21 results. "I hope people in Andorra think I've always been honest," he said.

Ot Remolins, a regular with the under-21s and gaining senior minutes, has signed with Real Oviedo's Vetusta reserve team in Segunda RFEF after completing his first full season there with Yeclano, where he scored once and assisted following a mid-season breakthrough.