Ex-Barcelona defender Eric Abidal retires from Football for 'strictly personal reasons'

Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal announced his retirement on Friday for

"strictly personal reasons".

The 35-year-old former Barcelona star, who returned to playing football after undergoing a liver transplant, organised a press conference:

I am open to proposals

He said.

I do not regret my decision. I just want to rest now, enjoy my family and then to think about my future.

He added holding back tears.

The former french international said he had received offers from both Barcelona and Olympiakos, but made no mention of press reports that he would take up a post coaching Barcelona's youth teams.

Eric Abidal who is listed in the team line-up for Saturday's crucial Greek Super League match with Kalloni on the island of Mytilene as Olympiakos have injury problems in defence and do not have a second central defender.

I think this will be my last match

Abidal said.

The 35 year old who joined Olympiakos six months ago on a two-year contract,has played 8 games out of 14 Super League matches and all six Champions League fixtures.

This is a big and difficult moment in my life as today I officially end my professional career with Olympiakos

Abidal said at the start of the press conference.

My time has come.

It was an emotional moment for the french star and he wiped tears away from his eyes.

Abidal was diagnosed with a liver tumour in March 2011 but played a full 90 minutes champions league final which Barcelona defeated the English giants by 3-1.

He also used the opportunity to thank the coaches and teams he has played for through out his career.