Barcelona's French international defender Eric Abidal this Friday assured that his aim was to finish his career in the club.

Abidal could make his 100th appearance for Barcelona in Saturday's game away to Real Sociedad. It is something that looked unlikely when he was diagnosed with a tumor in his liver in the spring.

Abidal underwent surgery and was able to return at the end of the season, lifting the Champions League trophy into the sky following Barcelona's 3-1 win over Manchester United at Wembley in May.

Abidal's current contract with Barcelona expires at the end of June 2012 and he has still to sign a new deal, despite ongoing negotiations and speaking to Diario AS, he explained why.

"I don't want to cheat anyone and I want to take my time to think things over," explained Abidal. "The most important thing is my health and I am certain we will reach an agreement."

"My aim is to retire here at Barcelona. I want to return to my best form and when I have got that back, then I will decide," he said.

Abidal explained the major role having recovered from having a tumor removed, played on his way of thinking.

"The first thing I think of is my illness. I am taking pills every day as part of the treatment and I will be traveling to Paris for tests. It is something that can change from one day to another. I was very good before the operation and now I am more or less good," he said, adding that he was probably eating more healthily now than before he had been diagnosed with the tumor.

Abidal admitted that he enjoyed his life as a football player and also the experience of being in such a close knit club as Barcelona.

"Every day I wake up with the pleasure of being able to enjoy being with my second family. They all helped me at a difficult moment. I want to do things correctly and for the good of everyone. Renewing my contract is not a question of money or the years I have been offered," he concluded.

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