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Eric Abidal, who scored a crucial goal in the second leg match of the King's Cup ("Copa del Rey") against Bilbao's "Athletic," received immense media attention, the respect of his teammates, and the praise of fans.
Catalan newspapers immediately compared the Frenchman to the Three Wise Men, bringing the best gift for the holidays.
The Barcelona players honored their teammate by forming a corridor of honor, and the humorous Abidal did not miss the opportunity to joke around.
The Frenchman, who scored only his second goal of his entire professional career during the match, suffered a slight injury during the game when an object thrown from the stands hit him on the head.
"It hurt a little, but nothing serious happened," the defender smiled at a press conference after the match against "Athletic." "Probably, that blow to the head gave me extra strength and I scored the goal."
Abidal entered the dressing room of the "San Mames" stadium through his teammates, who honored the footballer by lining up in a so-called "winners' corridor."
"We couldn't throw Eric up in the air, because we were afraid for his head. Also, the ceilings were too low," Guardiola joked at the press conference.
Abidal dedicated the goal to his family and fans on the social media platform "Facebook."
"It was a goal that many were waiting for. And I was waiting for it too. I dedicate it to my family and my fans on 'Facebook.' I have scored goals in France, but here, in Catalonia, I scored a goal for the first time. I always try to help the team, and I play where I can. I feel that the coach supports me, especially when I play in the center-back position," the Frenchman said.
Abidal's goal against Bilbao "Athletic" team:
