FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.06.2007 14:53

Abidal wants to continue winning

Roger Bogunyà

Éric Abidal wants to continue winning trophies after becoming FC Barcelona's third signing ahead of the 2007-08 campaign. The French international was presented to the media on Friday after completing his move from Lyon.

The 27-year-old revealed that moving to Camp Nou has been a long-held desire of his during his first press conference. "It has always been my ambition to play for Barça," he said. "Now the goal is the same as always, to carry on winning."

Proud and grateful

"I am proud to be here today," he added before looking to thank the club for having faith in his ability. "I want to thank all those people that helped to make this all possible." Abidal highlighted the role played by president Joan Laporta and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain in the negotiations with Lyon.

Common language

Abidal is the third addition to the FC Barcelona first-team squad this term and shares a common language with the first two arrivals, Thierry Henry and Yaya Touré. "It is important that there is a group that speaks French and we have that link," he stated. As well as the language making his integration easier, Abidal also knows Henry and Lilian Thuram well from their time together in the French national set-up.

Before signing for the club, Abidal admitted that he sought some advice from one of his compatriots. "I talked to Thuram about the atmosphere. For a new player all the details are important," he said.

Fitting the bill

Begiristain then explained why the club were keen to bring in Abidal. "The left-back position is one that could be improved," he said. "Abidal is a player who is incredibly professional, very quick and fits all the criteria. He can go forward and is very strong at the back."

Looking for balance

Asked about the addition of both Touré and Abidal to the squad, Begiristain said: "We want to achieve some balance. If we are going to have great forwards, we also have to be strong at the back."