Eric Abidal Talks About How Former Team-Mate Dani Alves Offered Him His Liver

Eric Abidal's story inspired the footballing world. 

The former Lyon, Barcelona and France star had a remarkable career on the pitch, but his achievements off it were even more impressive. 

Abidal twice managed to beat cancer and had a successful liver transplant with his cousin Gerard acting as a donor.

However, to illustrate just how much he was loved at Barcelona, Abidal has again talked about the fact that his team-mate Dani Alves was willing to offer up his liver for the transplant. 

In a new interview with the Daily Mail, Abidal said:

"

My Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves offered me his liver. He was serious but I could never have accepted it. He also has a family and a career. It is a massive operation and it was too much.

The risk for Gerard was huge. He saved my life. It is as simple as that.

"

In a great interview, which is worth checking out in full, Abidal said he is now fully content in retirement with no plans to make another unlikely comeback:

"

There will not be another comeback.

For me, the important thing was that I was able to go on my terms — I made the decision, the cancer did not make it for me. Cancer has changed my life. I am a better person. I prioritise what is important: my wife, my little girls, my friends, travelling with the family. I just want to enjoy every second.

"

[Daily Mail]