On Monday, Eric Abidal’s agent told media that despite interest from elsewhere, his client was on his way to Monaco and would be officially announced at some point next week. He looks to have jumped the gun.
33 year old Abidal comes with a certain amount of risk. The player had liver cancer in 2011 and despite recovering from that, as well as a recent liver transplant, it is understood that Monaco do have doubts about the player’s health and ability to perform at the highest level.
Abidal, however, remains convinced of his own ability to play at this level despite his previous problems: “Everything is fine, I can do sport.”
The Frenchman does admit, however, that a move to big spenders Monaco is now in serious doubt, as in an interview with Radio Station RTL, he claimed that “Everybody was worried.” about his previous health problems and despite wanting a move there, time for this to happen is running out:
“It will all depend on AS Monaco, even if it is my priority. I am optimistic for Monaco, but time is passing by and I have doubt, I would like things to accelerate.”
The 33 year old has also announced that if he signed there would be many clauses in the contract and this lack of confidence from Monaco is clearly unnerving a player who is looking for a club to finish his career at and a place where he can bring his family and settle.
If a move to Monaco does break down, however, Abidal does have other options. He has revealed that he has been in talks with Claude Puel at Nice and with New York Red Bulls about a potential move, but says he prefers a move to Ligue 1, which rules out the later.
You do have to feel a touch sorry for Abidal. After three years of misery, Barcelona have refused to offer him a new deal and now Monaco could possibly pull out at the last minute. Nice, on the other hand, would not be a bad destination for the player as Claude Puel is a man who has been able to get the best out of his players and would certainly give Abidal the respect and caring that he so badly needs at the stage.
Monaco or Nice? We shall have to see, but it appears that the honourable French veteran will be returning to Ligue 1.
James Martland, Get French Football News
