Monday, July 8, 2013

Monaco sign Abidal

The experienced defender has signed a one-year deal with the option of a second following his release from Barcelona earlier this summer

Monaco have secured the services of Eric Abidal on a free transfer, according to the club's official website. 

The left-back, who was released by Barcelona this summer, has signed a one-year deal at the Ligue 1 side with an option for one additional season.

The 33-year-old started his professional career at Monaco, but left the club for Lille in the summer of 2002. He also wore the Olympique Lyonnais jersey before joining Barcelona in 2007.

Abidal won four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and two Champions Leagues during his six years at Barcelona, but spent the majority of last season on the sidelines due to health problems.

The defender was diagnosed with a liver tumour in March 2011 and underwent a transplant last April which kept him out of action for nearly a year.

He was keen to continue his career at Barcelona, but the Catalans eventually opted not to offer him a new deal.

Clubs such as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain had also shown an interest in signing Abidal.