Europe News
Barcelona renew contract of veteran Abidal
Feb 3, 2012, 13:54 GMT
Madrid - World champions Barcelona said Friday they had extended the contract of their veteran French defender, Abidal, ending months of speculation about the player's future.
The contract was prolonged until 2013, with an option to renew it on a yearly basis until 2015.
Abidal, 32, joined Barca from Lyon in 2007. He has become a firm favourite with the fans and his team-mates, particularly after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour on his liver in March 2011.
He recovered quickly from surgery and helped Barca win the Champions League just two months later. In an emotional and popular gesture, Barca captain Carles Puyol insisted on Abidal picking up the trophy instead of himself.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola - who was keen for Abidal's contract to be extended - uses the Frenchman both at left-back and in the centre of defence.
Read more about Barcelona
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Europe
- 1. Pope in Easter message calls for peace and religious tolerance
- 2. Magnificent Messi leads Barcelona to ninth straight win
- 3. Pope leads Easter vigil, calls for "true enlightenment"
- 4. Barcelona increase pressure on Real with romp in Zaragoza
- 5. Pope Benedict XVI leads Easter Vigil
Older Talkback
