Éric Abidal News

Ronald Koeman, who won the European Cup with Barcelona as a player in 1992, replaces Quique Setien as the manager of the Spanish side.

Eric Abidal's exit follows the sacking of Quique Setien as FC Barcelona look to make wholesale changes after a disappointing season.

Eric Abidal, 38, resumed his playing career a year after he received the transplant before retiring in 2014.

Eric Abidal received a liver transplant in April 2012 at the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and resumed his playing career a year later before retiring in 2014.

Messi's future with Barcelona had been thrown into doubt last month when he reportedly fell out with coach Luis Enrique in a row over player power.

Eric Abidal, 34, capped 67 times for his country, follows Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri in bringing down the curtain on his international career.

As a tribute to Abidal, who was surprisingly not offered a new contract by Barca at the end of last season, Alves has changed his squad number from two to Abidal's old number 22 this season.

A first-half goal by AS Monaco striker James Rodriguez secured all three points for the Colombians, who are now guaranteed at least a play-off spot from South America's nine-team qualifying competition.

After joining from Lyon in 2007, Abidal played 125 league games for Barcelona, helping the Catalan club to win four league titles and two European Cups. He forged a close bond with former coach Pep Guardiola, who is now in charge of Bayern Munich.

Samir Nasri could play for France for the first time since Euro 2012. He was banned for three games for an expletive-laced tirade following the 2-0 loss to Spain.