Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has announced that he will leave the Spanish giants when his contract expires next month.

The 33-year-old has revealed that he hoped to stay for another season, but the Spanish champions have decided against renewing the defender's contract.

Abidal returned to action after suffering liver cancer, which forced him to have a transplant once the tumour was removed.

The defender said via Barcelona's official Twitter page: "It's a very difficult day for me. I have played for Barca for six years and it's been the biggest experience of my life. I understand and respect the decision of the club.

"I'm going, but I'll be sure to return. I want to thank all the fans of the club who have supported me and have been looking after me. The team is my second family. We have gone through a lot together and I'll remember this forever."

Club president Sandro Rosell added: "Abidal has won our heart and has demonstrated such important things about life. The doors are open for Abidal to be the technical director of all of our football academies."

Abidal, who won 15 trophies in six seasons with the Catalan club, was in tears while bidding farewell to his teammates during a press conference.