Jul 8, 2013 12:52:00 PM
The experienced defender has signed a one-yeardeal with the option of a second following his release from Barcelonaearlier this summer
Monaco have secured the services of
Eric Abidalon a free transfer, according to the club's official website.
Theleft-back, who was released by Barcelona this summer, has signed aone-year deal at the Ligue 1 side with an option for one additionalseason.
The 33-year-old started his professional careerat Monaco, but left the club for Lille in the summer of 2002. He alsowore the Olympique Lyonnais jersey before joining Barcelona in 2007.
Abidalwon four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and two Champions Leaguesduring his six years at Barcelona, but spent the majority of last seasonon the sidelines due to health problems.
The defender wasdiagnosed with a liver tumour in March 2011 and underwent a transplantlast April which kept him out of action for nearly a year.
He was keen to continue his career at Barcelona, but the Catalans eventually opted not to offer him a new deal.
Clubs such as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain had also shown an interest in signing Abidal.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/90/france/2013/07/08/4102618/monaco-sign-abidal