Barca will re-sign Abidal

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bertomeu said the renewal of Eric Abidal’s contract is just a matter of time.

The France international’s current deal with the Camp Nou outfit runs out at the end of the season, with negotiations over a new deal so far proving fruitless.

Abidal’s agent admitted earlier this week that the 32-year-old wanted to retire at the club, but urged Barca to come to an understanding with his client, or he could leave at the end of the season.

“We have to be prudent,” Bertomeu said.

“There are almost no differences in our positions, we are very close, but it is not done yet.”

“We are still negotiating. We want Abidal to continue with us. We are very interested in that.”

Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta also spoke of a contract extension, with youngster Rafinha having renewed his contract until 2014.

“Both parties had been expecting this news,” the ex-goalkeeper said.

“This is a player who has a great future ahead of him.”