Abidal delays Barca contract extension
Reuters - Thursday 08 September 2011, 13:04
BARCELONA - Barcelona defender Eric Abidal
has been offered a contract extension but wants to wait until he
is back to full fitness before signing, the France international
said on Thursday.
Abidal, who turns 32 on Sunday and is tied to the European
and Spanish champions until the end of the season, had surgery
to remove a liver tumour six months ago before making a
triumphant return to lift the Champions League trophy in May.
He is one of four Barca players along with Lionel Messi,
Javier Mascherano and Victor Valdes who has played the whole of
the club's four official matches this season.
However, he told a news conference ahead of Barca's La Liga
game at Real Sociedad on Saturday, when he could make his 100th
league appearance for the club, that he was still having tests
and receiving treatment to prevent a relapse.
"I have a [contract] offer from the club," he said, adding
that his health was his primary concern.
"I have discussed it with [sporting director Andoni]
Zubizaretta but the first thing I said was that I don't want to
deceive anyone.
"I want to get back to playing at my level. I know it will
be tough because we are not machines.
"I will make this effort because I like this work and for my
team mates and the club."
Former Olympique Lyon player Abidal has been linked in the
media with a move to Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, who have
spent millions of euros on players to try to win a first French
league title since 1994.
"Important people have arrived [at PSG] and it's possible
they are interested (in me) but I have not had any offer,"
Abidal said.
"The only offer is from Barca, although there are other
teams interested."