Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has revealed that Dani Alves offered his liver to be used in a transplant for the footballer who was battling cancer.

Back in 2011, Abidal, who also played for Monaco, Lille and Lyon during his career, was diagnosed with the disease, but returned to the pitch later that year.

In 2012, the cancer returned and Abidal required a liver transplant to keep it at bay.

"My Barcelona teammate Dani Alves offered me his liver," Abidal said in an interview with the Daily Mail. "He was serious but I could never have accepted it. He also has a family and a career. It is a massive operation and it was too much."

The retired footballer, whose cousin Gerard was a successful match, recently launched the Eric Abidal Foundation, which aims to raise money to support children battling cancer.