In a very emotional atmosphere during a Press Conference held in “Georgios Karaiskakis”, Eric Abidal announced his retirement!
Everyone was there, in the Press Room of the Faliro-located stadium, to honor a Legend of world football! Before kicking off with the interview, Mr Marinakis had a warm handshake with the French star and, after thanking him for everything he has offered, he said that their collaboration will continue also in the future, at another level, as already discussed!
Representing our side’s players, Pajtim Kasami, Jimmy Durmaz, Roberto and Botia attended the event! In fact, it must be stressed that the latter came to the stadium on crutched, a token of his eagerness to stand by Abidal, in the end of his football career!
The Press Conference was moderated by Mr. Karapappas and ask for the tribute-video for the French star to be played. Everyone attending was left speechless and, after its end, burst into applause!
Then, the floor was given to Abidal, who announced the end of his professional career as a football-player.
“Firstly, I would like to thank you all for being here, in such a major and difficult moment in my career. Today, I formally announce my decision to end my professional career, here in Olympiacos. The reason for this decision of mine is purely personal and I think that, through my career, I have proven to be able to decide when the time comes and I think that all top-level football players understand themselves when it is time; so, I think that mine has come. I would like to thank the President, the Vice-President, Pierre, Christian and all the staff in Olympiacos. The coaching and medical staff, everyone, the Administration who showed me that trust during my months here. I want to state that I am proud of being also myself member of this club.
For me, this is a really great club and it proved it this year! The side had a very good campaign in the UEFA Champions League and it is a squad that always delivers at high level. Apart from those I already mentioned, I would also like to thank all my coaches that left their mark in my career, since I was a child until today. Everyone until the last one, Mr. Michel. I would also like to thank all the staff of the clubs I joined in the past and where I have lived unforgettable moments. I will remember them for ever; we saw them also in the video. They will always be in my heart and mind; I think that, having done all these, it is time for to turn the page and start writing a brand new chapter in my life. Before we start with your questions, I would like to tell you that my relation with Olympiacos does not end here; it will surely go on in the future. Obviously not as a player, but in another capacity, I will keep my ties with the club”.
Then, the floor was given to Christian Karembeu: “Good morning. As you see, this room is filled with emotions. I am also very proud of standing next to such a great player. I want to thank all the players who also came here for Eric. We all support his decision; the whole team, the club and its President, Mr. Marinakis, with whom he shared all his thoughts and who has comprehended it all. As you have seen in the video, we have lived some really great moments. Apart from them, we have also been taught many lessons. Lessons of life. Eric’s course has been great. He came from far away. This is our common history and these lessons will always follow us and I hope we will be able to continue this relationship of our, through this club. I want to affirm that you belong to the family of Olympiacos, you are a member of Olympiacos. Our home will be always open to welcome you, whenever you wish to return. And for that, we would like to thank you once more and to wish you the best for this new chapter in our life and career”.
Then, Mr Pierre Issa mentioned the following: “Good afternoon. I abide by what Christian said, on the emotions in this room. This is absolutely reasonable, when you stand next to such a great player, an athlete and spend time with him. Obviously, his decision makes us really sad, but we prove once again that Olympiacos is such a great club at all levels and is run as a family. This is why we accord full respect to this decision by Eric Abidal, and we hope the best to him. The moments we just watched on this video are very few for such a long career. Of course, his spell in Olympiacos was just for 6 months. However, six months may sometimes mean many more things than a lifetime. It is enough time to leave a mark for ever, this is what Eric has done. He has left his mark on our Academies, the kids, technical staff, everyone working for the team. He is a great player, and also a very humble individual and a fantastic human being. We will never forget him! Everyone in the club wishes him good luck in this new path of his life. As Christian said before, I am confident that, one day, we will meet again in Athens. The doors will be open”.
Then, questions were submitted to Eric Abidal.
On the day after, his plans and whether he will take on Barcelona’s Academies: “As you know, I have received such an offer 2 years ago. This is not new, but it doesn’t necessarily mean something in particular. Right now, what I want is to rest, enjoy some time of privacy with my family and make up my mind for the future”.
On his excellent relationships with Mr. Marinakis: “Yes, as I have told you, the President showed me full trust since the moment I set foot here. He showed me love and everything about the club and the country. He is a man who loves dearly both Olympiacos and his country; a very ambitious man, setting numerous targets. He is mad about the club and does everything it takes to keep this club always on the rise!”
On the probability of continuing his collaboration with Olympiacos: “As I told you, I have discussed with the President about that. This doesn’t mean we have something concrete, tangible and specific. The same applies, as I said before, with Barcelona. Apparently, I am open to all proposals and I would definitely like to cross my path with Olympiacos’. As for when, this is something I don’t know. I wish it happens”.
What would you say to young children who want to get involved with professional football?
“My first piece of advice would be to work relentlessly, to be persistent and take everything very seriously in order to achieve their goals. Of course, the life of a professional –I cannot hide that- may be really hard; Many things may happen that we do not know of. One day we are great, the next not that good. What I want to stress is the zest required and the respect we all must have for the other members of a team; and also that we have always to try and give 100% of ourselves”.
What was the top moment if your career and what will you take out of your spell in Greece?
“Obviously, an athlete’s great moments coincide with lifting important trophies, but I think the most significant moment for a player is when one makes the transition to professional football from being an amateur. Signing your first contract is unforgettable. I’ve always been told that from the moment you sign your first contract, you have to give everything all the time, so as to continue being a professional. As for your question’s second part, when I leave, I will take with me all the love I enjoyed here in Greece; and when I return to Barcelona, I will wish for Olympiacos nothing but the best. I will hang the Olympiacos shirt on my apartment’s wall”.
How difficult was it for you when diagnosed back in 2011, to perform once again at top level like your return for the UEFA Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid?
“The moment you are referring to was apparently a huge one, but I will relate that to my previous reply that, in football, there always ups-and-downs, moments that are important and other that are hard. So, when one finds himself in hard times, one has to be determined; I used football to forget my disease. Spiritually, I am a person with great belief and I have been using that to overcome problems and return on the pitch, which was also my original goal”.
Why did you opt to retire and what’s in the future for you?
“As I said, my retirement is due to personal reasons. A professional player I the only one who knows why and when he should retire from action. As you know I have been through a lot in my career. I have also said in my talks with the President, that I would give everything until December and then it would be the moment to retire. As for the second part, I explained that I want to rest and spend time with my family and friends; and as you know, I have received proposals by both Olympiacos and Barcelona. I will use this time to reflect upon my future”.
How would you like to be remembered? As Eric, the great player who overcome his disease or as Eric, a man with great heart whose belief has grown bigger in him?
“Personally, I do not seek recognition. If some people want to acknowledge me, they will do it because they want so and in the way they want so. In any case, people used to see me all in the same way. As a humble and easy-going person and I believe this is how they should remember me. But, I repeat, everyone will remember me in the way one wants; I cannot force someone to do otherwise”.
What are your moments in the National Team of France you will always cherish and is it a coincidence that you decide to retire at the same time with Tierry Henry?
“My greatest moment with the French National Team was my first cap in my first top-level tournament in 2006. I will always remember my first call to the National Team after Lyon. In 2006, i had some really great moments in that tournament and this is why football players decide to become professionals. Unfortunately, we didn’t win but, by means of my participation, I have learned a lot, I took out many things and it will truly be unforgettable for me. As for your second question, it is purely a coincidence that we retire together with Tierry Henry. I do not think my career may be compared to even half of that of Tierry Henry, but he decided himself when it was the time for him to retire; and I decided when it would be mine”.
If you were to write a book, what you the title be?
“To be honest, I have no desire right now to write a book. But in case I were to write one, then it would be about football and the title would be “Life goes on after your career”.
What advice would you give to your teammates? Will tomorrow’s match going to be your last?
“I do not think that I am in position of giving any advice to those here today; they are also my teammates, they are professionals and we share the same mentality. What we have clearly said is stay united because this is the only way to achieve our goals. As for your second question, we will discuss with Pierre and Christian but, in any case, there is nothing else I can do since they are waiting for me”.
Do you think that, in terms of fitness, you could go on?
“This a decision that one will have to make one day or another. I think that day has come for me. Some may feel sad I can no longer provide my services athletically speaking. However, I do not regret taking this decision; perhaps, if I had taken it two years ago, I would have regretted it. But today I think is the right moment”.
Click HERE for the photostory.
Click HERE to watch the Press Conference footage.
