Football: Barca didn't want to assume risk - Abidal

French defender Eric Abidal has claimed that Barcelona didn’t offer him a new playing contract after recovering from a liver transplant because they didn’t want to assume the risk that something would happen to him whilst on the field.

The 33-year-old returned to first-team action in early April after 14 months out due to the transplant, but he went onto make only four more appearances for the Catalans before the end of the season.

“They considered there was a risk that something could happen to me, they didn’t want to assume this supposed responsability,” he told Spanish newspaper El Mundo on Sunday.

“I want to continue playing whilst the doctors give me permission. I don’t think it is the moment to leave it, I want to try and reach 35 before retiring.”

Abidal spent six years with the Catalans, winning two Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles, but he insisted he didn’t have any bad feelings towards the club and welcomed the offer to return as a technical director in Barca’s football schools once he retires from playing.

“I would have liked to continue and this is not what I had in mind, but I go with good memories. Barcelona has been my second family.

“I like the offer because I love the kids and I want to teach young people what I have lived. It is a luxury to have this future, it will be a pleasure to work here, but only once I retire.”