Eric Abidal retruns to Barcelona

Barcelona have welcomed Eric Abidal back to the club, with the retired Frenchman taking on an ambassadorial role, one he is excited about.

Barcelona in a statement said: “FC Barcelona and former player Éric Abidal have reached an agreement for the Frenchman to be an ambassador and representative of the club at different events in the next few years. The agreement was signed this Wednesday at 1.00pm CET in the club offices.”

The 37-year-old, who appeared in the recent Barça Legends game against Real Madrid in Beirut, will nowform a permanent part of the globetrotting veterans team, as well as collaborating with institutional events in liaison with the Social Area and assisting with activities related with the FCBEscola soccer schools.

Abidal originally joined the Barça defence from Lyon in the summer of 2007 and stayed for six seasons and a total of 193 official appearances, winning fifteen major trophies, including four Ligas and two Champions Leagues.

In 2011 it was revealed that he had developed a tumour in his liver. Although he played all 90 minutes of the Champions League final that year, and famously lifted the trophy at the end, his condition eventually meant he needed a liver transplant.

He was able to mount a recovery and return to active playing duty, but in December 2014 announced his definitive retirement from the game.