'I'm alive!' - Barcelona legend forced to deny rumours of his death after bizarre failed liver transplant story circulates

Abidal has been forced to publicly deny false reports of his death after a cruel and baseless rumour circulated on social media on Monday. According to French outlet Le Parisien, several accounts on the platform X began spreading the claim that the 46-year-old had passed away due to complications from a second liver transplant, prompting the Champions League winner to release an official statement.

In response to the distressing online speculation, Abidal took to his Instagram story to reassure fans and condemn the rumour. 

"Some rumours should never exist," he wrote. "I'm here with my family, and everything is fine. Respect is essential. There is a family and my children behind this. To be clear, I'm fine, I'm alive and well. Thank you for your support and messages of concern. Let's focus on what really matters."

The false story preyed on Abidal's well-documented and inspirational battle with liver cancer. The defender was famously diagnosed with a tumour in his liver in 2011 while at the peak of his career with Barcelona. After initial surgery, he required a transplant a year later before making a remarkable and emotional return to the pitch in April 2013. He continued his playing career with Monaco and Olympiakos before finally retiring in 2014.

Having swiftly and publicly corrected the false information, Abidal has urged the public to move on and "focus on what really matters." The former defender, who also served as Barcelona's director of football after his retirement, will now look to put the upsetting incident behind him. His decisive statement has ended the speculation, allowing him and his family to move past the distressing online event.