Barcelona full-back Eric Abidal has renewed his contract with the Catalan club in a deal which will bind him to the Nou Camp until June 2013.
The French international is elated to have signed a new contract with the Spanish Giants. Abidal expressed that he never actually planned on departing from the Catalan side, insisting that he takes the club as his second family.
There was a reasonable amount of uncertainty being associated with the Frenchman’s future prior to his contract renewal.
Abidal had attracted a lot of European clubs, as there were speculations surrounding his departure from the Spanish club.
Several clubs across Europe demonstrated interest in acquiring the signature of the veteran defender. Clubs such as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain were linked with the full-back.
Many speculated that the Frenchman would opt to leave the Catalan club and look for a move away from the Camp Nou.
Paris Saint-Germain were reported to be more than keen on bringing Abidal to the French capital; it was speculated that the veteran may decide to return to his home country before retirement.
However, Abidal downplayed all rumours surrounding his departure, and stated that it was always his desire to remain at Barca.
According to Barcelona’s official website, the French international said:
“I always said that I'd like to stay and live here and enjoy the football. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 are my second family. I see people at the club more than I see my own family. Here we play the best football in the world.”
The versatile defender was signed by the Catalans in 2007 to replce http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130.
Eric Abidal has represented La Blaugrana in 182 matches and has performed brilliantly for them, scoring two goals during his stay at the Spanish club.
Abidal had a liver tumour operated during his time with Barca, but he perfectly recovered at the end of the last season and managed to play the final of the UEFA Champions League against Manchester United. He was given the captain’s armband while receiving
the European trophy, as a gesture from the Spanish Champions.
Tags: