Abidal glad to be back

Abidal: At the centre of Barca's celebrations on Tuesday

Eric Abidal has vowed to carry on fighting after making an emotional return to action on Tuesday.

Less than two months after undergoing surgery on a liver tumour, the French full-back was welcomed back into the Barcelona fold for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

He was handed a cameo appearance during a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou and received a rousing reception from the home crowd when he entered the game as a late substitute.

Abidal was then hoisted aloft by his jubilant team-mates at the final whistle as Barca celebrated wrapping up a 3-1 aggregate success.

The 31-year-old refused to get carried away afterwards, but was delighted to be back doing what he does best following a difficult period in his personal and professional life.

Important

Abidal said, "It was a very important moment for me. I've worked hard to get back.

"I've had three very difficult weeks, but these things happen in life. The most important thing is to fight."

Few expected to see Abidal in action again this season, but he insists a European showdown with Real was always his target.

"Each player has their own goals, and mine was to play in this match," he said.

"I have many feelings about returning. I've seen people here I love, and they have helped me and the entire team."