Eric Abidal says he is “honoured” by Joan Laporta’s decision to appoint him sporting director if he is re-elected Barcelona President next month.
The former France defender spent six years at Barca as a player between 2007 and 2013, despite two cancer scares interrupting his spell, and he spoke of his pride at being nominated by the 52-year-old to help lead his potential second term at the helm.
“For me, it’s an honour to be here beside Joan and I’m very excited about this project,” he said at Laporta’s campaign presentation.
“Barca are more than a club. I wanted to keep working here and for many years I thought about what to do [after my playing career].
“I’m fortunate to have played here on both a personal and professional level. I know Joan well and he spoke to me without hiding anything.
“We start at the bottom with La Masia, which we hope can produce players like Leo [Messi], Xavi [Hernandez] or Andres [Iniesta] again.
“Barca are the socios’ club and they are in charge. Visca Barca and Visca Catalonia!”
