Alves Angered By Barcelona's Treatment Of Abidal

The Brazil international still feels upset with the Liga champions' decision to release the left-back whilst he also believes Thiago Alcantara left the club too soon

Dani Alves is angry over Barcelona's treatment of Eric Abidal, who was released on a free transfer this summer, after battling his way back from cancer.

The 33-year-old, now a Monaco defender, fought his way back to full match fitness after a liver transplant in April 2012.

However, the Frenchman was deemed surplus to requirements, much to the disappointment of Alves.

"Abidal's exit was a very unpleasant surprise. The decision to release him really annoyed me after all he'd gone through and done," the Brazil international told RAC1.

"I wanted him to continue at Barca after all that had happened and how he fought his way back. Yet when he got back he wasn't given a new deal.

"If Barcelona are more than a club, that is for the support they gave him during his recovery... The entire situation leaves a bit of a bittersweet taste, though.

"I just wish that football was a bit more fair. Eric will continue to be an example to follow for me."

Alves also had his say on the departure of Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich and rued the midfielder's decision to leave the club.

He added: "Thiago is my friend and I know that he wanted to play more. I think that he left too early as he was still young and becoming more important, but he made a brave decision."