Abidal: The pain and suffering has been worth it to play for Barcelona again

Oct 12, 2012 5:20:00 PM

The French defender is on the road to recovery having went under the knife in April and concedes it has been a difficult few months for the 33-year-old

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal looks set to play for the Blaugrana again after going through liver transplant surgery but has admitted it has been a battle to get to where he is now.

The 33-year-old, who already began to work with the ball last week, has told of the mental and physical rigours that he has went through in order to play competitively again.

In an interview with TV3 he talked about how he is almost constantly with club physiotherapist, Emili Ricart in a bid to boost his recovery process.

"I have to work hard, it is difficult, but to get back to my level I have to go this route because otherwise I will not get there," he said.

"Physically I'm suffering, but I need it. I have to be strong mentally, so you have more stamina and I'll recover soon."

Asked what his next target was on the road to recovery was, the ex-Lyon man was cautious not to do too much too soon.

He added: “I must follow Emili to get to Barcelona and work with Juanjo (Brau) to do more field work. I have no hurry to return to the group."

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