Abidal signs new deal with Barca

Eric Abidal inked a new contract with Barcelona on Friday, and said there had never been any real chance he would leave the club.

Following protracted negotiations, it was announced last month that the France international had agreed a new deal with the Catalans which would keep him at Camp Nou until the end of next season, with the option to extend for a further two years.

After signing on the dotted line on Friday, Abidal said he never seriously entertained the idea of leaving, despite rumoured interest from Arsenal.

“I always said that I’d like to stay and live here and enjoy the football,” the versatile full-back told the club’s website.

“(Barcelona are) my second family. I see people at the club more than I see my own family.”

Abidal, who has made 116 Primera Division appearances for Barcelona, said he wanted to remain ‘where the best football in the world is played’.