Abidal To Leave Barca At End Of Season

[Folami David]

Popular former France defender Eric Abidal fought back tears on Thursday as he announced he would be ending his six-year spell with Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season.
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"I would have liked to have stayed and played on at Barcelona but the club saw it differently and I have to respect their decision," he told a news conference while struggling to control his voice. "I am going but I will surely return."
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The 33-year-old left back, who fought his way back into the squad after having a liver transplant last year, was joined by club president Sandro Rosell and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta who praised him for his bravery in adversity.
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"He has won our hearts because you can never write him off," Rosell said. "He has had the strength to overcome all types of difficulties - he has taught us. life lessons we will never forget.
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"We are not saying goodbye, only 'until we meet again'. When he wants to hang up his boots Barca will open their doors for him to come back and be technical director of the youth academy.
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"It's what we want and what we think he would want.
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If he thinks he can help us in another way we will work on that option," added Rosell.
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Abidal was supported at the event by the Barca coaching staff and squad including players in the front row such as Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Victor Valdes who is also set to announce on Friday he will leave the club.