The Frenchman was relieved of his duties following Barcelona’s abysmal end to the season where they missed out on the La Liga title and suffered an 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final game in Lisbon.
Abidal followed Quique Setien out of the exit door at the Camp Nou after the Spanish coach was dismissed three days after Barcelona’s mauling in the Champions League.
The 40-year-old became Barcelona’s sporting director of football in June 2018 replacing Roberto Fernandez.
Unfortunately for the Frenchman, his tenure in Barcelona coincided with a couple of underwhelming seasons and a poor player recruitment policy.
Abidal took to his Instagram account to bid a touching farewell to the Blaugrana.
“Over the last two years, I tried to make changes that I thought were very important for the first team,” the former France defender wrote.
“But, despite my conviction and persistence, I failed. This second goodbye brings to a close two years, where I tried to work to make Barcelona better.
“Two intense seasons which I decided to bring to an end on my own accord.
“Whilst the board gave me a vote of confidence on Monday, I provided my resignation on Tuesday, waiving the rights to the final year of my contract with Barcelona.
“The moment has come to draw a line under the link between me and the club.
“Right now, the club’s situation is complicated, but be in no doubt that I hope with all my heart that it will recover and that success soon returns just as this great club deserves.”
During his playing days, Abidal played for Barcelona between 2007 and 2013 and won 15 trophies including four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.
