Abidal takes ceremonial kick off

FOOTBALL

Eric Abidal took the ceremonial kick off ahead of tonight’s game against PSG and received a standing ovation from the crowd at the Parc dels Principes

The French defender, who is doing light exercise within his recovery from a liver transplant, had travelled to Paris with the rest of the squad this morning

Abidal greets his teammates
Abidal's six years at Barça in pictures
Éric Abidal

Eric Abidal had the transplant four months ago and this Saturday he received a rapturous ovation from the Paris crowd and his fellow players. Before the game, the Frenchman took the ceremonial kick off and was given a rousing welcome from the fans, as well as heartfelt applause from the PSG and Barça players alike – something that showed how appreciated he is by both his Club and his country.