The Real Madrid attacker wished his compatriot a healthy return to play as soon as possible after a liver transplant that might hinder him from playing ever again.
At the end of the 2010/11 season, Eric Abidal recovered from a liver tumour operation, appearing in Barcelona’s final six fixtures, including participation in the triumphant UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United.
The versatile defender is at similar crossroads in his footballing career with more medical attention needed to his precarious health condition.
Abidal will be operated on the cancer in the coming days, which can potentially call an end to his playing days.
Numerous football stars, present and of days gone by, have come to the support of the ailing Frenchman.
Real Madrid’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Karim-Benzema-c20350 added his name to the list as he wished a speedy recovery to the player he likens as an ‘older brother.’
"I hope this is not very, very serious," the Real Madrid striker told L'Equipe. "He's like a brother to me.
"And I do not need to talk about what Eric Abidal is like on the field. He is a truly great player. In his position he is one of the best in the world. I hope he can soon return to football."
French legend, Zinedine Zidane, also came to the support of his countryman and opined that Abidal will come out of the injury stronger than ever.
The 1998 World Cup winner added that he knows the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 man well, thanks to his playing days with the French national team. Zidane commented that he would like to see Abidal on the pitch again.
"I know him very well," the 2002 UEFA Champions League winner was quoted as saying by RMC. "I played a lot with him.
"It's always a tough fight but I know he'll come through it. I just want to tell him to have courage. It is the most important thing for him and his family."
Abidal has tough weeks ahead of him as he goes under the knife. He has been ruled out of Barcelona’s season, with participation in Euro 2012 with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 coming under question as well.
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