Eric Abidal has revealed that former team-mate Daniel Alves offered to give him a part of his liver prior to his transplant.
It has been widely reported that the two had a close relationship while at the Camp Nou and the Brazilian also traded his shirt number for Abidal’s old number (No. 22) this season, as a token of respect for his good friend.
Abidal returned the favour by disclosing the gesture made by Alves during his surgery
“My relationship with Dani goes much further than him taking my old No.22 shirt,” Abidal told Catalunya Radio.
“When I had to undergo surgery, he offered to donate his liver.
“Of course, it’s completely out of the question because he is a professional footballer. Our relationship goes much deeper than friendship.”
Abidal also stated that Pep Guardiola was interested in taking him to Germany but the German side obstructed the move due to his medical problems.
“Guardiola wanted me to join him at Bayern, I won’t deny that,” confessed the 34-year-old.
“What happened is that it’s not really up to him. It’s a complicated matter and more so because of my health issues.
“Bayern’s directors and medical staff didn’t want to take that risk which I fully understand. But I understood the gesture perfectly.”
Abidal is enjoying a good start to the season, his team is currently number one in the French League.
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