Thursday, 30th May, 2013
Eric Abidal has reiterated his desire to continue his playing career rather than take an ambassadorial role with Barcelona, as his departure from the club was announced.
Abidal’s battle through a liver tumour from 2011 onwards has changed the prospects for his future at the club, with his contract also set to run out this summer.
The Frenchman, who is linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, underwent two surgeries on his liver, the second being a transplant with his cousin Gerard being the donor.
In between surgeries, he managed to play 90 minutes of the 2011 Champions League final victory against Manchester United.
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And despite making an eventual recovery and return to the Barcelona first team, it seems the offer of staying on in a coaching capacity does not appeal to him for now.
In an emotional press conference attended by his Barcelona team-mates, Abidal said: "My idea is to keep playing and I have not changed my mind, as long as health permits me.
"It is a difficult day for me. I have played for six years at the club and has been the strongest experience of my life.
"I understand and respect the decision of the club. Yes, I am going, but I will be sure to return."
Abidal’s last game for Barcelona came in the 2-2 draw against Athletic Bilbao in late April, while he made 192 appearances in total for the Catalans during his six years.
And club president Sandro Rosell maintained the Spanish champions would always have a place open for their number 22 in the future.
He said: "Abidal has won our hearts and showed us important things in life. Our doors are open for him to be the head coach of all our football schools.
"Abidal has the ideal profile to be the director of our football schools. He meets all the criteria."
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