French defender Eric Abidal announced his retirement in a press conference today. The former Barcelona player, winner of four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies with Los Blaugranas, confirmed his decision due to "personal reasons".
"I have decided to end my professional career here at Olympiakos. I told this to the team's president two months ago, and I promised to give everything to the team until December. I take this decision based on personal reasons. I just want to be with my family and spend some time with them," Abidal stated.
A source of inspiration to many, Abidal revealed some of his relatives and friends asked him to go on, but he decided it was time to end his stint as a footballer.
"A lot of people wanted me to go on. It's a shame, but I can't do this anymore. If I had taken this step two years ago, maybe I would have regretted it, but now I won't. I want to spend time with my family, think about what I'm going to do and help some of the people I love," Abidal added.
"Abi" retires from professional football after playing with Monaco, Olympique Lyon, Barcelona and Olympiakos. After the announcement, his colleagues, friends and fans paid respect to the man.
FC Barcelona paid tribute to their former defender.
Proud to have shared a dressing room with you. You are a role model. Best of luck in your new stage @EAbidalOfficial pic.twitter.com/G5KsNACKCb
— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) December 19, 2014
One word to describe how I feel about the life and magnificent career of @EAbidalOfficial #Hero pic.twitter.com/cY5ZH2lpTc
— Thierry Henry (@ThierryHenry) December 19, 2014
"A great example in every sense. Thanks my friend!
Un gran ejemplo a seguir en todos los sentidos... Merci mon ami, @EAbidalOfficial !!! #MerciAbidal pic.twitter.com/EnVF5LW58E
— Marc Bartra (@MarcBartra) December 19, 2014
"Thanks for everything, you are an example, a fighter. Good luck in your new endeavours."
Gracias hermano, eres un ejemplo de lucha. Mucha suerte en tu nueva etapa. http://t.co/mhThJfYZwc
— Carles Puyol (@Carles5puyol) December 19, 2014
"It was a pleasure having shared the locker room with you. All the best in this new stage, you are an example to us all."
Un placer haber compartido equipo con vos. Lo mejor en esta nueva etapa amigo. Sos un ejemplo @EAbidalOfficial. pic.twitter.com/pdDDbR5FxO
— Javier Mascherano (@Mascherano) December 19, 2014
[INFOGRAPHIC] @EAbidalofficial 's six years at FC Barcelona http://t.co/MpYyhfzHFC pic.twitter.com/2UhCZov0Uo
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 19, 2014
Éric Abidal: 4 La Liga's 3 Ligue 1's 2 UCL 2 Copa del Rey 2 Super Cup 2 Club World Cup ...and beat cancer, twice. pic.twitter.com/Nyt3VXEoJy
— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) December 19, 2014