LOOKING FOR ERIC – Why Arsenal want Abidal

By Lee Roden
Updated: 12 January, 2012

Continued from Page ONE

Off the pitch Abidal is an equally perfect fit for Barça. Forgetting Xavi or Puyol, it is Abidal, not Valdes or Pique that, for me, most perfectly fits the mould of “Mr Catalunya”.

The Frenchman has made no effort to hide his love of Catalan culture, and phrases like “el cor d’un catala es catala, no es espanyol” (the heart of a Catalan is Catalan, not Spanish) have done nothing to hinder his acceptance by the local fans.

He has made a clear attempt to integrate in his adopted country too, learning the language and publically stating his admiration for the city of Barcelona and its inhabitants.

His somewhat comical but equally moving broken Catalan at last year’s trophy celebrations (notably saying “es difical el Catala!”, or “Catalan is difficult!”) will live long in the memory of culés.

In a nation whose national anthem celebrates sacrifice (“els segadors” tells the tale of farmers and peasants who died trying to defend Barcelona against invading forces), it is no surprise that Abidal fits so well.

What greater sacrifice can there be than Abidal’s determined efforts to return to fitness after his successful operation in order to play in the Champions League final?

This wasn’t simply a case of Abidal wanting to play for his own gratification, but for his team, who needed him more than ever.

Without his presence Guardiola would have been forced to field a makeshift backline against Manchester United. Abidal didn’t just come back from injury, he came back from cancer!

In truth, it is doubtful he will be on way to England as he is still very much part of Pep Guardiola’s team, a team still gunning on all fronts remember, and not somebody who will be allowed to leave at such a critical stage in the season.

That he is still being linked with big moves at this period of his career however, may mean he is finally getting the credit he quite obviously deserves.

All hail Rei Eric Abidal, lest he be forgotten!

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