Daniel Alves offered to donate liver to Éric Abidal
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Éric Abidal has revealed that former Barcelona teammate Daniel Alves offered to donate his liver when the Frenchman needed a transplant last year.
Alves is wearing Abidal's No 22 shirt this season at Barcelona as a tribute to his close friend, who was plagued by a tumour in his liver which eventually led to a transplant.
Now playing for AS Monaco, Abidal said that his relationship with Alves is much more profound that a simple, casual acquaintance.
During an interview with Catalunya Ràdio, Abidal said: "My relationship with Dani goes much further than him taking my old No 22 shirt.
"When I had to undergo surgery, he offered to donate his liver. Of course, it's completely out of the question because he is a professional footballer.
"Our relationship goes much deeper than friendship."
Abidal's cousin Gerard ended up donating part of his liver for the 34-year-old's operation in April 2012.
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| Éric Abidal and Daniel Alves were close friends during their time at Barcelona Photo: Getty Images |
Alves is wearing Abidal's No 22 shirt this season at Barcelona as a tribute to his close friend, who was plagued by a tumour in his liver which eventually led to a transplant.
Now playing for AS Monaco, Abidal said that his relationship with Alves is much more profound that a simple, casual acquaintance.
During an interview with Catalunya Ràdio, Abidal said: "My relationship with Dani goes much further than him taking my old No 22 shirt.
"When I had to undergo surgery, he offered to donate his liver. Of course, it's completely out of the question because he is a professional footballer.
"Our relationship goes much deeper than friendship."
Abidal's cousin Gerard ended up donating part of his liver for the 34-year-old's operation in April 2012.
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