ERIC ABIDAL is returning to Barcelona – as the club’s new technical coach.
The French defender and cancer survivor left Barcelona in the summer of 2013 after a six-year spell there.
He was held in high regard by the club’s fans and staff not only for his football skills, but also for the way he fought back from cancer that saw him have a live transplant in 2012.
But Abidal will once again be gracing the Nou Camp from next season, replacing Robert Fernandez in the role.
A statement on the club’s website reads: “FC Barcelona announces that Robert Fernández will not extend his contract as the football first team technical secretary which runs out on 30 June of this year.
“The club would like to thank Robert Fernández publicly for his commitment and dedication to FC Barcelona over the years and wishes him success in the future.
“As such, FC Barcelona also announces that Eric Abidal will take over the role as football first team technical secretary.
“His official presentation will be on Monday, July 18.”
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Abidal won four league titles, two Copas del Rey, two Champions Leagues, four Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA World Club Cups in his six seasons as a blaugrana.
In March 2011 the French player was found to have a tumour in his liver, and despite an operation, a year later he had to undergo a liver transplant.
His cousin Gerard was the donor.
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