Former Barcelona and France defender Eric Abidal has been forced to deny rumours circulating on social media that he had died. The 46-year-old, who underwent a liver transplant in 2012 after being diagnosed with cancer, took to Instagram to reassure fans.
'Some rumours should never exist,' Abidal wrote. 'I'm here with my family and everything is fine. Respect is essential. There is a family and my children behind this. To be clear, I'm fine, I'm alive and well.'
Abidal's cancer diagnosis came in 2011 while he was playing for Barcelona. He had a tumour removed that year and returned to action before needing a liver transplant in 2012. He made a full recovery and continued his career, eventually retiring in 2014.
The former left-back enjoyed a stellar career, winning 15 trophies with Barcelona, including three Champions Leagues. He also played for Monaco, Lille, Lyon and Olympiacos, and earned 67 caps for France. After retiring, he served as Barcelona's sporting director from 2018 to 2020 and currently holds the same role at Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates.
