‘I thought Abidal’s return impossible’

Barcelona director Andoni Zubizarreta has conceded that six months ago he thought Eric Abidal's return would be 'impossible'.

The French defender made a late substitute appearance in the Blaugrana's 5-0 win over Mallorca on Saturday, to play his first game since a liver transplant in February last year.

And the board member has admitted that it is heart-warming to see the veteran back on the pitch.

“Six months ago I would have thought that Abidal's return would be impossible,” he told Canal Plus.

“This is good for football, but it is also good for life in general. It shows that you can beat diseases.

“He remembered his cousin, who was the one who also participated in the transplant, but the credit is his.

“It is a great pleasure to see.”

The 51-year-old then commented on the Catlan side's recent defensive problems, as well as the rumours that they could make a move for Sergio Ramos.

“The injury to Mascherano is a blow to us. And Puyol. We will play with what we have and with the creativity of our Coaches.

“We must be calm.

“Ramos is a great player. But he is not on our list.”

Tags Abidal Sergio Ramos Zubizarreta
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