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International Friendlies

Aug 14, 2013 at 8pm UK

Belgium
0-0
France

Eric Abidal thought France career was over

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 13 August 2013

Monaco defender Eric Abidal expresses his shock at being named in the squad for France's clash with Belgium on Wednesday, some 16 months after a liver transplant.

Eric Abidal has revealed his shock at being named in the France squad for Wednesday's friendly with Belgium.

The 33-year-old has not featured for Les Blues since February 2012 and, having undergone a liver transplant since then, the former Barcelona defender admits that he felt he had "no hope" of winning another cap for his country.

However, having being snapped up by Monaco during the summer - and given the captain's armband by coach Claudio Ranieri - Abidal has since earned a recall to the international fold, much to his surprise.

He told a press conference: "I thought I had no hope of returning after what I'd been through over the past two years.

"But I am very proud to come back and wear the shirt.

"I am happy and enjoying life. After what's happened, I am just delighted to be able to be on the field."

The former Olympique Lyonnais defender's last appearance for France was in the 2-1 victory over Germany.