Barça’s Abidal to undergo liver transplant

MADRID - Agence France-Presse

REUTERS photo

Barcelona’s French international defender Eric Abidal will undergo a liver transplant in “the coming weeks”, the Spanish club said yesterday.

The 32-year-old, who signed from Lyon in 2007, underwent surgery in March 2011 to remove a liver tumor.

“During the next few weeks, the player will undergo a liver transplant as a result of the progress of his liver disease,” the club said in a statement.

The player was in the form of his life last season before a tumor was discovered on his liver in March.
He made a rapid recovery after undergoing surgery and drew loud cheers as he made a symbolic return May 3 in the final minutes of Barça’s Champions League semifinal tie with Real Madrid.

“I have never experienced this before,” the defender said at the time of his reception from the crowd.
“I can sense that the people love me and I love them too and will try to do my best for them on the pitch, as always.”