Eric Abidal is indeed a man with a strong heart, Two months after removing a tumor in his liver, the Frenchman is set to make a return for Les Bleus.
Two months ago, Eric Abidal's life was under massive threat due to the tumor in his liver. Nevertheless, the Frechman's recovery has been so encouraging that he is even set to make a comeback for France in their Euro 2012 qualifying match against Belarus tomorrow.
"Two and a half months ago, I was frankly not in the position to come back, but today it happened. I cannot say I'm 100 per cent. I have not returned to my ideal weight, for example.
"I have three kilograms still to put on. I was able to finish the season well. I do not really know if it is a mark of confidence because I am part of the squad. But it makes me feel good. It's good for morale.
"[Playing for France] is always the same. It remains the pinnacle from a football point of view. Nothing has changed. This is an opportunity to play in major competitions every two or four years and win more trophies."
A huge part of Abidal's strong return has been the support from his Barcelona teammates and even he admitted that even Guardiola played a massive role in trusting him.
"Everyone was surprised by the speed of my return - including me. But I am lucky to have a coach [Pep Guardiola] who trusts me. It is the fruit of all the work I've done since the operation."
"Two and a half months ago, I was frankly not in the position to come back, but today it happened. I cannot say I'm 100 per cent. I have not returned to my ideal weight, for example.
"I have three kilograms still to put on. I was able to finish the season well. I do not really know if it is a mark of confidence because I am part of the squad. But it makes me feel good. It's good for morale.
"[Playing for France] is always the same. It remains the pinnacle from a football point of view. Nothing has changed. This is an opportunity to play in major competitions every two or four years and win more trophies."
A huge part of Abidal's strong return has been the support from his Barcelona teammates and even he admitted that even Guardiola played a massive role in trusting him.
"Everyone was surprised by the speed of my return - including me. But I am lucky to have a coach [Pep Guardiola] who trusts me. It is the fruit of all the work I've done since the operation."
