Barcelona defender Eric Abidal set for tumour surgery, Xavi praises his courage
Nou Camp is in turmoil again as another player seeks help from the medics, only this time, the matter is more serious. News from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 has confirmed Eric Abidal is suffering from a tumour in his liver. Sources have revealed that Abidal has immediately been
sent for medical attention and results are expected soon. Xavi Hernandez, the backbone http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38605’s midfield showed surprise and remorse over the illness of his teammate.
Xavi admitted the news of Abidal’s liver tumour was a great shock to him as well as his Catalan teammates. Reports have informed of a surgery plan for the 31-year-old with club sources later confirming the player will go under the knife.
Abidal has been vital for Barcelona’s campaign this season. Due to the hectic FIFA 2010 World Cup campaign, Barcelona players have been exhausted from over working. Eight players from the starting line up featured in Spain’s World Cup winning squad, hence
with little rest, injuries are making players fall like flies.
The unfortunate Abidal news has caused more woes for the Spanish giants. Messages of courage and support have been piling for 31-year-old defender. Xavi too has shown sorrow over the fateful occasion. In a recent press release the 30-year-old midfielder
stated, “It's the worst moment I've experienced in a dressing room. It's a very sad day for all of us. These are difficult times for him and his family.”
Sources have confirmed Abidal convened with his Barcelona teammates in a training session this morning. Xavi took the moment to extol the player and praise his courageous approach towards the incident. The Spanish International commented, “He's always been
an example for the dressing room, not only football-wise, but of attitude. Mentally he is one the strongest people I've met and this is going to help him a lot.”
Abidal started his career from Lyon Duchere from 1999-2000. The 2000-2001 season saw him make a transfer to Monaco where he stayed for two seasons and made 22 appearances. From 2002-2004 he played for Lille and capped 62 times but it was with Lyon where
the French International gathered fame.
Abidal inked a contract with Lyon in 2004 and stayed with them till 2007. In his career with the French footballing powerhouse, Abidal featured in 99 games and also scored a lone goal. His immaculate form earned him a call up from France national team in
2004 and since then he has capped 55 times for Les Bleus.
In 2007 Barcelona signed Abidal and since then he has appeared in 143 fixtures alongside scoring another goal. During the past couple of seasons Abidal has proven to be a vital player for the Blaugranes on the left flank. His joyous locker room conduct
alongside his mental toughness has been of great assistance to guide and mould the new younger generation of Barcelona players.
Xavi praised his attitude towards the saga saying, “When he came into training we gave him all the encouragement in the world. His mood surprised us, he's almost given us more encouragement than we have him, that shows his mental strength.”
He concluded by saying, “He is an example of positivity. He told us to continue as always and that on Saturday we beat Getafe. We will try to dedicate a victory to him and his family.”
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