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ABI'S FEELINGS
I don't claim to be a role model. I do things because it's what I have to do, it's my mindset.
As players, we're fortunate that...
That we represent a lot for many people.
And when we visit kids in hospital, we try to encourage them.
The same speech that worked for me too. Because, if I say these words to the kids and then they're not good for myself, that means I'm lying, and that's not true.
Letter to newspaper 'La Vanguardia,' January 15, 2012
"You've got in your head the same thing Abidal had on his liver and tomorrow they'll take it out," it was the only thing I could say to my 15-year-old son.
After five months of operations, some Barça players visited the hospital and Éric Abidal went into my son's room.
"Brother. I’m here to cheer you up. I'm also fighting against this disease." (J. García Sierra)
These details are important for me. Details that come from the inside.
Like the watch I gave to that boy, Gerard.
I did it because I knew that...
That it'll encourage the boy to fight a little more.
A detail, whether a watch or anything else.
It doesn't matter how much it costs. It was to help the boy.
Abidal and his wife shared lots of days and lots of hours in hospital with other patients.
Sandra is not among us yet, but Éric will never forget her smile and her courage.
Well, it was my wife's matter, because in hospital I always was in the room and she used to take a walk.
One day she met Sandra in the hall...
And they began to talk. My wife told my story and so did Sandra.
And from then on, they had a good friendship and we wanted to share it on Facebook.
Sandra was always fighting, always in good spirits.
She hid her pain and encouraged her parents.
I think we had the same mindset.
When entering the operating room, you don't know if things are gonna turn out well.
The most important thing is not to forget your family. I thought of them a lot.
I wasn't scared. I have confidence in surgeons, they really know how to do their job.
But I thought that, if something happened, I should leave...
A good image to my family. And I've fought very much for them.
During my 42 days in hospital, I only watched my daughters three times because...
I couldn't deal with it anymore and didn't want...
I didn't want they to come to hospital.
But these three days did me very good...
Because I think that children have more strength than adults.
And we should give a good impression to our family not to affect them.
La Marató Charity Match, December 2012
[Theme: "Tornarem" (We'll come back) by Lax'n'Busto]
You always have to try.
If you don't try, you'll never know if you can do it.
That's why I said some days ago that...
I felt like starting to train with my teammates again.
But if I don't work out, I won't know if I can.
That's my goal: Let me give it a try. Because if I don't prove myself, I'll never know.
In any work you do...
You have to fight. If hard times come, you need support from others, because you know you can't overcome it alone.
Specially when facing illness, because it's difficult.
You're fighting, but you need support, encouragement, strength from others to help you and drive you to fight.
And it was really helpful.
[Theme: "Welcome Home" by Radical Face]
It's not easy to live together with...
With many football stars.
Because I think all my teammates are stars.
The most humble in the world...
This is Leo.
Pinto's smile, Valdés' jokes, and many other things.
The encouragement that the captain gives us all.
Xavi's pranks.
Andrés' behaviour, who doesn't talk very much.
Every player has something to teach to others.
I try to take a bit from each one...
To get better day after day.
A TEAM OF FRIENDS
That's an important detail...
Because...
Vicente Calderón, May 2012 Althoug I was in hospital, I was on the pitch too.
Thanks to the players for this gesture.
Because then you know that...
That you're part of the team.
In my place!
I don't know if I hold a record, but...
The way of life here is different than in France.
It's not only the fact that we're friends, a family...
But a gesture to...
To unite the team more.
You can play with many footballers but eventually...
You don't know the opinions of a teammate who's been playing along with you for twelve years.
Therefore, we hang out for lunch or supper, laugh, and learn from each one.
I think this is reflected on the pitch...
Because out of the pitch we know we can be a good team...
And thereby we'll be stronger on the pitch.
[Theme: "Salade Tomates Oignons" by Booba]
"Is there anything you'd like to say that I haven't asked you?" "Yes."
"Yes?" "Yes." "Tell me."
"I'd like to thank and give a huge hug to my cousin Gérard."
"How is he?" "Fine.
Even better than me.
But...
Without him...
I might not be talking to you right now.
This question was missing."