Abidal: Alves offered to donate part of his liver

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Eric Abidal has revealed that former team-mate Dani Alves offered to donate part of his liver during his recent battle with illness.

The France international was diagnosed with a tumour on his liver in March 2011 and, though that was successfully removed by doctors, the Frenchman required a transplant a year later.

And he has now explained that Alves, who wears Abidal's shirt number for Barcelona this season following his friend's close-season departure, was prepared to make a sizeable sacrifice upon hearing the news.

"My relationship with Dani goes much further than him taking my old No. 22 shirt," he told Radio Catalunya.

"When I had to undergo surgery, he offered to donate his liver. Of course, it’s completely out of the question because he is a professional footballer.

"Our relationship goes much deeper than friendship."

He has started all of Monaco's first five Ligue 1 games this term, and has helped his new club to top spot.