Abidal hopeful of new contract

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal will open talks with the club over a new contract on Thursday. The 32-year-old French international is keen to pen a fresh two-year deal with the Spanish and European champions, but fears he may only be offered a one-year extension to the current agreement which expires next summer. "I do not think there will be an economic problem," he was quoted as saying at a press conference by Spanish radio network COPE. "Yes, in terms of years that I want, two would be nice. I want to stay. We will come to an agreement, for sure." Abidal, who underwent surgery on a liver tumour earlier this year, has been linked to AC Milan and Paris St Germain, but would prefer to stay in Catalonia. "I talk a lot with my agent about this," he said. "I feel good. I want to play here in the best club in the world and it's hard to go to other teams. As I said in my last press conference, I would not fool anyone. I am in perfect health and trying to prove myself on the field, trying to do well. If I can continue doing that here, all the better."