Abidal 'turned down' Milan

Eric Abidal has revealed he has shunned interest from Milan to join his 'dream' club Barcelona.

The Lyon full-back will undergo a medical at Barcelona before being presented as the club's latest signing on Friday afternoon.

Barcelona appear to have finally met Lyon's demands for the France international, who is relishing the chance to play alongside compatriot Thierry Henry.

"Milan interest? It is true," Abidal told L'Equipe. "AC Milan is a very great club, but today Italy is not my aim. Maybe when I am older I will change my mind.

"Barcelona is just the club where I have always dreamed of playing when I was a kid. It is a very great club.

"The day I signed for Lyon, I could not believe it, so on Friday if, as expected, I will sign there, I will be in the same state of mind.

"It really is a dream that comes true.

"I had phone calls with Thierry Henry. He called me during the holidays to tell me he will sign there, so I did the same when I knew I will sign."

Abidal joined Lyon from Lille in 2004 and the defender is hoping for a sterner challenge when it comes to winning the domestic title.

He added: "It is always difficult to leave l'OL because the chairman is a businessman and does everything in the club's interests.

"It is true I had several contacts. Personally, I have always had a preference for the Spanish league. It has always been my priority.

"La Liga is exciting and often very close. At Lyon, when you are already champions three months before the end₻"