Eric Abidal has revealed that he rejected a job offer from Barcelona before accepting a part-time role with Olympiacos.

The Frenchman announced his retirement in December after finishing his career with the Greek club, and he claims that Barcelona made two positions available to him - one within the club's academy and another as a link between the first-team squad and the board.

"Lionel Messi knows the president; there's no need for me to go and see him on his behalf, and the first option wouldn't have left me much time to dedicate to my foundation work, whereas the Olympiacos job will," Abidal told France Football.

"My new job is not a job where you are on call 24 hours a day.

"I recently visited one of Olympiacos's sponsors in Switzerland and I took advantage of that trip to do some work with my foundation, too. They have said that I only need to be in Athens four days a month, which is ideal for me."

Abidal won four La Liga titles and triumphed in the Champions League twice during his time with Barcelona.