Soldado, who has played for numerous clubs in Spain including Real Madrid, Osasuna, Getafe, Valencia and Villarreal, battled many times with Puyol during his time as Barcelona captain and the pair also lined up a couple of times together for the Spanish national team.
Puyol is considered one of the greatest defenders the game has ever seen, having led Barcelona to six La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions Leagues and helping Spain break shed off the tag as ‘perennial underachievers’ to win the European championships in 2008 and the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
Soldado, 34, has returned to Spain to join newly-promoted Granada after a two-year stint with Turkish outfit Fenerbahce, and he named the curly haired centre-back, who earned 100 caps for Spain, as his toughest defender.
"I would say Puyol is the one who has made me suffer the most," Soldado said, courtesy of La Liga.
"I think it was like war with Puyol. He was the most aggressive defender there was, the most heavy-handed.
"Then he was the one who complained the most. But, yes, there was a nice rivalry there and maybe he's the one who has given me the toughest battles."
Despite being a prolific scorer in Spain prior to his move to Tottenham in 2013, Soldado found life difficult in England, registering just seven league goals from 52 appearances, but he reckons his experiences at White Hart Lane has made him a better player.
"With the passing of the years, my spell in England changed the way I played," Soldado said.
"Before maybe I was a player who waited a lot in the box, who didn't get involved so much and now maybe, after going to England, you change that a little.
"I got more involved. But I know [Granada] have signed me to score goals and I'm going to do everything I can to score as many as possible.
"I'm delighted to be back in the best league, especially after two years in an inferior league to this one.
"The first two weeks I was here I did find it a little hard to keep up with the pace of training. The pace of training is higher here than in Turkey. But I think I've adapted well, I think I'm going to perform at a high level and I'm going to give everything I've got for my team."
