World champions Barcelona said on Friday they had extended the contract of their veteran French defender, Abidal, ending months of speculation about the player’s future.
The contract was prolonged until 2013, with an option to renew it on a yearly basis until 2015.
Abidal, 32, joined Barca from Lyon in 2007. He has become a firm favourite with the fans and his teammates, particularly after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour on his liver in March 2011.
He recovered quickly from surgery and helped Barca win the Champions League just two months later. In an emotional and popular gesture, Barca captain Carles Puyol insisted on Abidal picking up the trophy instead of him.
