Eric Abidal reflected on his farewell appearance for Barcelona and on why he is both happy and sad at the occasion.
The Frenchman was confirmed last week as having failed to agree a new contract at the Camp Nou, so bid an emotional farewell with 15 minutes from the bench in Saturday evening’s game against Malaga, and a ceremony held by the club on the pitch afterwards.
“I leave with both sadness and happiness,” Abidal, who battled back to full fitness from a liver transplant this season.
“I’m sad because I wanted to carry on, but happy because I have had six spectacular years at a club who have always supported me and with fans who’ve shown their affection.
“Everything has been a bit hard, especially for my girls who have to say goodbye to their friends at school, but my wife and I have decided that when I retire, we will return to live in Barcelona.
“My final minutes with Barca, I noticed the fans, with each ball, pushing me to attempt to score a goal. The 15 minutes was good, and I don’t think I gave away a single ball. Hopefully Tito has taken note [laughs].
“The tributes after yesterday’s game? They are difficult moments – I didn’t want it to end, but now it’s done and over.”
