I'm not interested in returning to Barca, says Abidal

Thegoalmac can reveal that Eric Abidal has moved to reject rumours he is set to return to former club Barcelona once he has retired to take up a role as head of their football schools.

The Olympiakos defender departed Camp Nou in the summer of 2013 following the club's decision not to offer him a new deal after he'd recovered from a liver transplant.

 The whole episode left a sour taste in the mouth, with Barca accused of failing to reward the player for coming through a long and difficult battle with illness.

Rumours in recent weeks suggested Abidal was, however, set to work for the club again after hanging up his boots, but the 35-year-old has firmly denied the speculation.

He told reporters at Barcelona's El Prat airport. "It is not true that I will retire. Everything that has been said has annoyed me. If I am in Barcelona, it's because I live here."

The veteran was handed a two-year deal upon signing for Olympiakos back in July, but could well play on after that contract has expired in 2016.

He has made 10 appearances for the club in all competitions so far this season.