Eric Abidal calls time on his career
Ex Barcelona star Eric Abidal has finally agreed to cut short his football career and hang up his boots. The former French international and ex Blaugrana has called time on his playing career at Greek outfit Olympiacos. This Saturday Abidal will play his final game for his club against Kalloni AEL.
The 35 year old also revealed that he has received numerous non playing roles namely with his current side and ex club Barcelona.
“It’s a very important moment in my career. Today, I’ve taken the official decision to bring an end to my professional career. It’s solely due to personal reasons,” he said.
“I’ve always played at a good level. I thank the president for his support. I’m proud to have worn the Olympiacos shirt during my time here and I’ll always support them.
“I want to say thank you to the coaches I’ve had, to the medical staff who helped me, because without them I wouldn’t be here now.
“I have an offer from Barcelona,” he added. “But I will make a decision later. I first want to rest and spend time with my family.”
Eric Abidal was playing for FC Barcelona when he fell ill with a liver tumour that affected his career with the Catalan giants in 2011. The players’ morale was affected by Abidal’s illness and later on by the death of former coach Tito Vilanova, who died in April of this year. Barça struggled to regain form under Argentine coach Gerardo Martino and Luis Enrique has had to pick up the pieces and try to turn them once again into the team that Pep Guardiola made history with.
