Eric Abidal’s emotional goodbye to Barcelona after he was axed as sporting director

Eric Abidal has revealed he left Barcelona by his own accord despite receiving a vote of confidence from the club’s board.

The Frenchman’s two-year stint as the Catalans’ director of football came to an end on Tuesday before Ronald Koeman was appointed as the club’s new manager on Wednesday.

Abidal re-joined Barca in 2018 after a successful six-year spell as a player but his time as director coincided with two disappointing seasons.

Eric Abidal has revealed he decided to walk away from his position as director of football

Abidal faced a tough two years in his role and admitted Barcelona’s situation is complicated

The chief’s transfer policy was questioned and he also had high profile arguments with captain Lionel Messi.

The LaLiga side’s humiliation by Bayern Munich in the quarter-final of the Champions League proved to be the final straw as Quique Setien was sacked on Monday with Abidal stepping down a day later, despite being given assurances by president Josep Bartomeu. 

Ramon Planes, previously his assistant, was promoted to his position before Koeman’s appointment.

The Frenchman was given assurances by club president Josep Bartomeu but decided to leave

Abidal broke his silence on his departure in an Instagram post on Thursday, explaining his decision to walk away. 

‘Over the last two years, I tried to make changes that I thought were very important for the first team,’ Abidal said.

‘But, despite my conviction and persistence, I failed. This second goodbye brings to a close two years where I tried to work to make Barcelona better.

‘Two intense seasons which I decided to bring to an end on my own accord. 

‘Whilst the board gave me a vote of confidence on Monday, I provided my resignation on Tuesday, waiving the rights to the final year of my contract with Barcelona.

‘The moment has come to draw a line under the link between me and the club.

‘Right now the club’s situation is complicated, but be in no doubt that I hope with all my heart that it will recover and that success soon returns just as this great club deserves.’

Dutchman Ronald Koeman was confirmed as the Catalans’ new manager on Wednesday