Bartomeu confirms it was Abidal's decision to leave Barca

Barcelona president says it was the Frenchman's personal choice to step down as the club's sporting director.

On Monday, it seemed clear from Barcelona's official statement that the club wanted Abidal to continue.

"Abidal has communicated to us that he wanted to leave. It is his decision and we have to accept it," Josep Maria Bartomeu told Barcelona's official media referring to the Frenchman's exit which was confirmed on Tuesday.

The Catalans parted ways with Abidal which was a bit surprising considering Barcelona's statement on Quique Setien's sacking as early as this Monday.

It mentioned 'a wider restructuring of the first team which will be agreed between the current technical secretary and the new coach'.

Abidal served as Barca's sporting director for two years, between 2018 and 2020.