Although somewhat leggy and ungainly, the Lyon-born man is a highly-effective back-four operator, just as comfortable at left-back for Barcelona as he is in central defence for France.

He came through the ranks of minor league club Lyon La Duchere and following an unhappy time at Monaco, got his initial top-flight break with Lille before moving to Lyon in 2004. He made a switch to Barcelona three years later and was a part of the side than claimed a six-trophy haul in 2008-09.

Abidal made his national team debut in a friendly with Bosnia in August 2004, going on to feature as the French came runners-up at the 2006 World Cup and he is one of the rare players in the squad not have to emerged from a pro club academy.

Strengths: Versatile and strong, his positional sense is one of his biggest assets.

Weaknesses: A lack of pace hinders his ability to get himself out of trouble and his disciplinary record is not great either.

Career high: Picking up six trophies in one season at Barcelona - although he missed the Champions League final through suspension.

Career low: Against Italy in Euro 2008, he conceded a penalty and was then sent off, as France crashed out in the group stages.

Style: Composed, clever, a versatile defender.

Quotes: "As a defender, my aim is to infuriate the opponent. I want him to be so sick of the sight of me that he has to move somewhere else on the pitch to get away." Eric Abidal.

Trivia: He is a good friend of fellow national team star Franck Ribery, as both have Muslim wives and have converted to Islam.