Barcelona defender Eric Abidal made his final, highly emotional, appearance for the Catalan giants tonight in a 4-1 win over Malaga at the Nou Camp, after it was revealed his contract was not to be renewed for the forthcoming season.
For those who do not know his incredible story, he had been diagnosed with a tumour in his liver in 2011, but had further complications meaning he had to undergo a transplant in 2012. Both times however, the Frenchman battled through, and made a return to the pitch, amid a flood of well wishes from around the world of football. He played the full 90 minutes of Barcelona's 2011 Wembley triumph over Manchester United, and in a touching show of unity club captain Carles Puyol lifted the European Cup with Abidal.
His cousin, Gerard, was the donor when Abidal required a transplant in 2012. Support came from both his biological family, and his football family, with tributes again flooding in, and Barca dedicating their win on that day to Abidal. Again, the dedicated defender recovered, and returned to play a few games for Barcelona B. Two months ago he made his return to first team action, replacing Gerard Pique, he then went on to play a few full 90 minutes.
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| Thank you, my cousin. Abidal pays tribute to his cousin Gerard, who was the donor in his successful liver transplant. |
It has been announced that Barcelona will not be renewing Abidal's contract, and the two would part company after tonights fixture. His name was chanted for most of the game, the decibels rising as the game cointinued, reaching its peak when the Frenchman made his appearance as a substitute.
No doubt, there will be a fair few clubs clambering for Abidal's signature, after the 33 year old declared he would love to play on after this season. Barcelona have insisted that there is always an opportunity open for him to return as a coach when he finally decides to hang up his boots. After 6 trophy laden years at the Nou Camp, Barcelona released this emotional tribute to Abidal on their Youtube channel on the 30th May -
For now, it is not known where he will be playing next season, but we can say for sure wherever it is Abidal will play to the best of his abilities, and with all his heart. The words 'legend' and 'respect' are thrown around far too often on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook nowadays, but Eric Abidal is one who truly deserves it.
From Goalmouth Scramble, thank you Eric, you've been an inspiration for many, and earned the respect and adoration of the world. All the best for the coming seasons.
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