<p>Popular former France defender Eric Abidal fought back tears on Thursday as he announced he would be ending his six-year spell with Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season. <br /><br /></p>.<p>“I would have liked to have stayed and played on at Barcelona but the club saw it differently and I have to respect their decision,” he told a news conference while struggling to control his voice. “I am going but I will surely return.” <br /><br />The 33-year-old left-back, who fought his way back into the squad after having a liver transplant last year, was joined by club president Sandro Rosell and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta who praised him for his bravery in adversity. <br /><br />“He has won our hearts because you can never write him off,” Rosell said. “He has had the strength to overcome all types of difficulties -- he has taught us life lessons we will never forget.”</p>
<p>Popular former France defender Eric Abidal fought back tears on Thursday as he announced he would be ending his six-year spell with Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season. <br /><br /></p>.<p>“I would have liked to have stayed and played on at Barcelona but the club saw it differently and I have to respect their decision,” he told a news conference while struggling to control his voice. “I am going but I will surely return.” <br /><br />The 33-year-old left-back, who fought his way back into the squad after having a liver transplant last year, was joined by club president Sandro Rosell and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta who praised him for his bravery in adversity. <br /><br />“He has won our hearts because you can never write him off,” Rosell said. “He has had the strength to overcome all types of difficulties -- he has taught us life lessons we will never forget.”</p>