Eric Abidal is to leave Barcelona, following the club’s decision to not offer him a playing contract extension. Abidal was offered a coaching role but chose to continue playing football for another two to three years, he said at a press conference in Barcelona earlier today.

A tearful Abidal told reporters: "I'm leaving but I'll definitely be back. I have played here for six years and it's been the biggest experience of my life.

"I understand and respect the decision of the club.

 "I'm going, but I'll be sure to return. I want to thank all the fans of the club who have supported me and have been looking after me.

"The team is my second family. We have gone through a lot together and I'll remember this forever."

Sandro Rosell, Barcelona club president, and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta both attended the press conference.

"He has won our hearts because you can never write him off," Rosell said.

"He has had the strength to overcome all types of difficulties - he has taught us life lessons we will never forget.

Rosell said Abidal was welcome to return to the club as a director of their youth set up, if and when he wished.

"We are not saying goodbye, only 'until we meet again'. When he decides to stop playing football, he can come back here to be the technical director of all of our football academies on a worldwide level," Rosell said.

Abidal however remains keen to continue his playing career. "My idea is to keep playing and I have not changed my mind, health permitting," he said.

Abidal underwent an operation for liver cancer in March of 2011, before making an incredible return in time to play in the Champions League final of that year. The illness returned however, and in April 2012 he underwent a liver transplant. He then made an incredible second comeback to play in the La Liga win over Mallorca, in April of this year. It was his first competitive match for 14 months. Abidal won 15 trophies during his time at the club, including 2 Champions Leagues and 4 La Liga titles.