BARCELONA: France defender Eric Abidal is recovering well after a liver transplant, his wife Hayet said in a statement posted on the player’s official Facebook page.

Barcelona’s leftback underwent a lengthy operation on Tuesday which finished at about midnight, just after Barca’s 4-0 Liga victory at home to Getafe during which the whole stadium chanted Abidal’s name and applauded the fullback.

His wife wrote: “Hi Everybody, I’m Hayet Abidal, Eric’s wife. I’m writing you, today, on his facebook page, on his request. Eric and his cousin Gerard (the donor) have indeed been operated yesterday in Barcelona and for the moment, everything is OK.

“He really wants to thank all of you for your messages, your support and all the strength you give him! Thanks a lot.”

Abidal had surgery to remove a tumour from his liver last March before making a triumphant and emotional return to lift the Champions League trophy at Wembley just two months later.

Last month, the club said Abidal would need a transplant but did not say how long he would be out of action.

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