Devil’s Advocate: Has Barcelona taken advantage of Éric Abidal?

Emotions are running high after FC Barcelona officially announced the departure of talismanic French defender Éric Abidal. This decision has divided culé opinion around the world with some fans vigorously condemning the move while others are equally passionate about this being the best course of action for all involved.


The pragmatists argue that Abidal is a financial and sporting risk that the club cannot afford to take. The club has stood by the player during his long recovery and through one protracted relapse. The player is almost 34 and the likelihood of recovering the form that made him such a good fit for the team is low. The timing of this decision is designed to give the player the most time possible to entertain deals from other clubs. There is an open offer for a non-sporting position at the club that Abidal can accept even if he leaves to play with another squad next season.

The emotionalists think that Abidal deserves more of a chance to prove himself, now that he is presumably able to play again. The club made the player this promise earlier in the Spring, and should make policy like a family rather than a corporation. The club has cynically taken advantage of the emotion around Abidal’s recovery only to close the door in his face. Is Abidal really any less physically fit than Puyol? What effect will this move have on the morale of other players like Puyol or Xavi, who are also approaching the end of their careers, or even Tito Vilanova himself?
Your turn: has Barcelona taken advantage of Eric Abidal?