So where's he going to end up, Monaco ?

Barca trying to get rid of all defenders

As good as Abidal was age doesn't do him justice. its good he is going for free because more clubs will want him now. clever

Mes que un club my arse.

Disgraceful.

Gil wrote:Mes que un club my arse.

Disgraceful.

Why should they renew it ? I cant blame them.If they are not going to renew him they shouldve informed Abidal earlier though.

Barca just like any club is a business and not a charity foundation..dont let their hoiler than you approach fool you,its fake lol..

I wasn't aware that Barca had any true defenders... they buy midfielders and make them into defenders.

Eric Abidal has confirmed he is to leave Barcelona after six years at the club.

The French defender, who fought back from liver cancer and a subsequent transplant to play again, had hoped for a new deal after making his long-awaited comeback.

But he told a news conference on Thursday that his time at Camp Nou would end when his current contract expires next month.

"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," an emotional Abidal, who won 15 titles during his spell in Catalonia, said.

"It's a very difficult day for me. The team is my second family. We have gone through a lot together and I'll remember this forever."

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell opened the door for Abidal to return as a coach once his playing career is over.

"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.

"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.

"It's what we want and what we think he would want. If he thinks he can help us in another way we will work on that option."

"I hope to return because it is a club (that is) very special to me," Abidal added.

Abidal returned to first-team action as a substitute against Real Mallorca on 6 April, before playing 90 minutes for the first time two weeks later against Levante.

He was diagnosed with a tumour in March 2011 but needed a transplant after initial surgery failed to restore him to full health.

Real Kandahar wrote:

Gil wrote:Mes que un club my arse.

Disgraceful.

Your sig has a picture of a man's finger which he used to poke out the eye of another man fighting with cancer and you quote someone claiming a club is disgraceful?

sportsczy wrote:I wasn't aware that Barca had any true defenders... they buy midfielders and make them into defenders.

'

Nike: Midfielders are the future

Didn't some Barca exec say something along the line of "as soon as abidal plays a game, we will renew"

Yes, if proven physically fit/season ready. Lies by our board, again !!

That is a shame.

FalcaoPunch wrote:Didn't some Barca exec say something along the line of "as soon as abidal plays a game, we will renew"

Yes but it seems they've changed their minds about renewing his contract.

It's a football decision, simple as that, if he is unable to contribute then there's no point in giving him another contract.

It's sad to see him leaving, but it was his time.

An aging player being out for so long with such a serious issue he will not be the same when he comes back. Abidal gave a gargantuan effort to recover, but I don't think the coaches liked what they saw. Even though when he played, he was pretty solid. Maybe he can go to Lyon.

Speaking of aging players, Puyol needs to get his fitness together, the injuries will be taking a toll on him, if he isn't able to bounce back like he has in the past, he will be going down the same road.

I agree with you Albi but why would Barca promise a new contract last year though?

I haven't heard anything like that.

Abidal got a renewal on his contract while Barca knew he needed a liver transplant. That says enough really

Albiceleste wrote:It's a football decision, simple as that, if he is unable to contribute then there's no point in giving him another contract.

It's sad to see him leaving, but it was his time.

An aging player being out for so long with such a serious issue he will not be the same when he comes back. Abidal gave a gargantuan effort to recover, but I don't think the coaches liked what they saw. Even though when he played, he was pretty solid. Maybe he can go to Lyon.

Speaking of aging players, Puyol needs to get his fitness together, the injuries will be taking a toll on him, if he isn't able to bounce back like he has in the past, he will be going down the same road.

Puyol signed an extension until 2016 earlier this year. Unless you think he'll be sold (which he won't).

Abidal wasn't promised a contract extension, however there was an optional 2 additional years on his contract that were not utilized, i think that is where the confusion lies

Zealous wrote:I agree with you Albi but why would Barca promise a new contract last year though?

Nothing has been promised; he has been told that he would renew is he was ready for the season. Clearly, the technical staff thinks otherwise, so no renewal. It's a shame because a 100% fit Abidal would solve our CB problems for a huge part!