Former defender Eric Abidal has returned to Barcelona as technical secretary.
Abidal, 38, has been handed the position – similar to a director of football role – and has vowed to bring the same fighting spirit that he had as player when he battled liver cancer.
“As well as my experience in the football world, I know this club and its players very well. It’s a question of bringing the values I have always maintained,” Abidal said in a press conference following his presentation.
“It’s a pleasure to be back at FC Barcelona, it’s like my second home. I thank the club for entrusting me with such an important job.
“I am a Barca man, I want to give everything for the club, for the fans, for the players.”
Abidal has been drafted into the position off the back of the club’s failure to sign top target Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.
The striker revealed his decision to turn down Barca’s advances and stay with Atletico in a recent documentary.
