Xavi hails Abidal attitude

Xavi hails Abidal attitude

Published Mar. 16, 2011 6:29 p.m. ET

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has hailed Eric Abidal's mental strength and positive attitude ahead of his liver operation.

Barca announced the news about Abidal's tumour on Tuesday night and the 31-year-old defender will go under the knife on Thursday.

Messages of support have been pouring in for the France international and Xavi said: "It's the worst moment I've experienced in a dressing room. It's a very sad day for all of us. These are difficult times for him and his family."

Abidal met his Barca team-mates at training this morning and Xavi heaped praise on the former Lyon player for his attitude, saying: "He's always been an example for the dressing room, not only football-wise, but of attitude. Mentally he is one the strongest people I've met and this is going to help him a lot.

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"When he came into training we gave him all the encouragement in the world. His mood surprised us, he's almost given us more encouragement than we have him, that shows his mental strength.

"He is an example of positivity. He told us to continue as always and that on Saturday we beat Getafe. We will try to dedicate a victory to him and his family."

Abidal joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2007 and has been capped 52 times by France.

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