DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Barcelona defender Eric Abidal says he is happy to be training again with the club after having a liver transplant eight months ago, but said he has no timeline for his return to competition.
The France international told a Dubai football conference that "it has been a tough path" since first having a liver tumour removed in March 2011 and then needing a full transplant. He said he "was feeling much better" but acknowledged it would be "difficult" to attain the same fitness as before. The 33-year-old defender he "will try to do my best to help the team" but was ready to step aside in favour of "a younger player" if he cannot compete.
Abidal joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2007 and helped the club win two Champions League titles and three Spanish league crowns.
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