Special to ESPN.com
Archive
Michael Regan/Getty ImagesAfter having a tumor removed from his liver, Eric Abidal returned to help Barcelona win the Champions League final against Manchester United.The searing summer heat in Dallas can make visitors cranky if they are unaccustomed to such furnace-like conditions. In past years, training in 100-plus-degree temperatures might have given Eric Abidal reason to complain. But this summer's preseason has been different for the FC Barcelona defender, who was all smiles while in the Lone Star State during the club's U.S. tour.
"It's really hot here, but I feel strong and I'm ready to work," Abidal said.
It was a mere five months ago that Abidal's physical strength was sapped when doctors removed a tumor from his liver. Now, with a new lease on life, Abidal is back for his 12th season as a professional and ready to help Barcelona achieve another title-rich season.
Abidal's shocking health news stunned everyone, especially his distraught teammates. Yet in the immediate aftermath, it was Abidal's grace and dignity, characteristics he inherited from his parents, which alleviated the anxiety of those around him. "My parents are two very calm people and they have always said that every problem has a solution," Abidal said. "I also think that's true. I pray a lot and I believe that there is someone above us who decides what happens in my life and the lives of others."
The French international received an outpouring of support not just from teammates but also from his fellow competitors around Europe. Even rival Real Madrid wore "Animo Abidal" (Strength Abidal) shirts before its match versus Abidal's former club, Lyon, in last spring's Champions League.
"Abidal was a true source of inspiration for all of La Primera's teams last season," said Andy May of Real Madrid TV. "Madrid supporters gave him a terrific reception when he played for Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu."
Abidal's situation also speaks to the changing mentality of Spain's fans, who have become more sensitized to players' health in light of Antonio Puerta and Dani Jarque -- two players who tragically died due to heart conditions. "After his sickness was revealed, all sides expressed their sympathy toward Abidal and viewed him more as a person rather than a Barcelona player," said Ramiro Aldunate of Marca, Spain's most-circulated newspaper. "Spanish football has had the unfortunate deaths of Puerta and Jarque, so people are now much more sensitive to this subject."
It was this attitude that made his astounding recovery all the more celebrated. Not only did Abidal return to action with Barcelona before the end of last season, but he played the full 90 minutes in the Blaugrana's emphatic 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League final. Then, in a fitting gesture, defender Carles Puyol stripped off the captain's armband and handed it to Abidal so that the Frenchman could be the first to lift European club football's most prized trophy.
"[Puyol] told me when I was going to grab the trophy that time would stop," Abidal said. "It's all true. It is just you and the cup and you have the feeling that no one else is around. It was a great sensation to be able to raise the trophy not just for what happened to me but also for all the work my teammates and I did together."
That lasting image left an indelible impression on everyone back in his home country, where Abidal garners plenty of respect.
"People [in France] loved the way [Abidal] fought back and wanted to play in the Champions League final," said Thierry Marchand of France Football. "He is still the best French left back by far."
Barcelona seeks another trophy on Wednesday when it squares off against Real Madrid in the return leg of the Spanish Supercopa. Sunday's 2-2 draw in the first leg was the first meeting between the two since their Champions League semifinal, which was marred by childish antics and boorish behavior.
While those infamous Clasicos may have left fans wary of future Barcelona-Real Madrid fixtures, Pep Guardiola's men embrace another opportunity to add a trophy to the museum at Camp Nou. "I don't ever get tired of playing against Madrid," Abidal said. "The whole planet watches the Clasicos. We have known for a while who our opponent will be so I don't think it's too early to be playing Madrid. Our objective always is to win titles for the club."
Tweet, tweet
Don't miss a moment of the latest soccer coverage from around the world. Follow us on Twitter and stay informed. Join »
The 2011-12 season will see Barcelona aiming for its fourth consecutive La Liga title, which would equal Johan Cruyff's legendary "Dream Team."
Jose Mourinho, in his second year with Real Madrid, will assuredly have his team looking to usurp Abidal & Co. at the top of the table. Other teams in La Liga have also stockpiled talent to make for what should be one of the most competitive seasons in the Primera in years.
"It's not just Real Madrid who have a good team," Abidal said. "Please, we have to respect all of our rivals. Malaga have spent a lot of money and will have a great team. Sevilla and Villarreal also have great teams. We just have to be as professional as possible and continue working hard."
After everything that Abidal has been through, going back to work has never felt so good.
Arch Bell is a freelance writer for ESPN.com. He can be reached on Twitter at @ArchBell.
