'Dani Alves offered me his liver for the transplant' ex Barcelona defender reveals

Ex-Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has revealed that his former teammate Dani Alves offered him his liver for transplant during his battle with cancer.

During his time at Barcelona, Abidal twice battled cancer over a two year period.

In March 2011, it was announced that the Frenchman was diagnosed with a tumour in his liver, and he underwent surgery two days later before playing in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United 71 days later.

A check up a year later in March 2012 revealed that Abidal would have to undergo a liver transplant as the cancer had returned.

Abidal in an interview withirevealed that his fellow Barcelona defender at that time, Alves offered to donate part of his liver for the transplant.

"My Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves offered me his liver. He was serious but I could never have accepted it. He also has a family and a career. It is a massive operation and it was too much," Abidal said in the interview.

His cousin Gerard who was a match later offered his.

"The risk for was huge. He saved my life. It is as simple as that," Abidal added.