The Eric Abidal Foundation

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The Eric Abidal Foundation - UEFA Euro 2016
In an interview with WorldTempus, French former international footballer Eric Abidal talks about his career and his foundation which, with the support of Zenith, helps sick children to play sport.

Between 2004 and 2013 Eric Abidal was a defender with Olympique Lyonnais and FC Barcelona, as well as  earning 67 caps for the French national team. However, his career was interrupted by illness, first in 2011, and then in 2012, when he underwent a liver transplant. Each time, Eric Abidal recovered and returned to the highest level, before taking the decision to retire in 2013.

What is the aim of your foundation?

My foundation was created in 2013 to help children and young people with cancer, to raise awareness among adults of the importance of organ donation, and to help families going through a difficult time. I know from experience, because I’ve lived through it myself, that it can be hard on families, particularly if their child has to be hospitalised, and also from a financial point of view. What we do is we try to help them, try to solve all their problems, so that they are free to give their children the support they need.

You were ill yourself. What role did your illness play in your decision to create this foundation?

I’ve always been a generous person, and after my illness it gave me a meaning, a direction I thought I should follow. Certainly, the fact that I’ve gone through it myself gives me a better insight into what people need.

What’s the connection between your foundation and football?

It’s not just about football, it’s about sport in general. While I was sick I was advised to continue playing sport. Sport is important for the body, and I wanted sick children to realise that sport could really help them.

In concrete terms, your foundation organises football-related events for children.

Yes, because football is the sport I know best. But it’s not just football. We’ve also worked with the organisers of a tennis tournament, for example, and children who were tennis fans took part in that. But it’s not just about playing sport either. Some children are in a wheelchair, and we want to give them the opportunity to enjoy the sport they love in the best possible way, the way best suited to their situation.

How did you come to team up with Zenith?

It was through a friend who works with another brand, Hublot. He introduced me to Aldo Magada, the Zenith CEO, at an event they organised.

Zenith - Eric Abidal

How does Zenith support your foundation?

Through communication, which is vital for raising awareness. Also, Zenith provides watches that we can then auction off at gala evenings to raise money, and that’s the best thing. In addition to that, Zenith provides logistical support. Recently, we organised a hospital visit in Lausanne, and Zenith contributed with some children’s games, which put a smile on their faces.

What has your footballing career meant to you?

I’m more than happy with it. I was very lucky as a young player, but I also worked hard to reach the highest level, and to achieve my goals. Because of the way my parents brought me up, I was determined to succeed, and even my illness didn’t discourage me. On the contrary, it gave me the strength to carry on, because I didn’t want injury or illness to end my career. Thinking about football, and thinking about returning to football, was a kind of therapy at that time. My belief in God also helped me enormously.

The motto of your foundation is “Everything starts today.” Is this a message of hope and perseverance?

I believe you can’t take anything for granted. Every day is different, and every day you begin again. Even in hospital, you can feel fine one day, and know that tomorrow is another day. Of course you have to think about the future, but you also have to try to live in the present as much as possible

What is your favourite Zenith watch?

There are several, but top of the list is the limited edition El Primero Rolling Stones. It’s a classic model, combined with a world famous rock band, and that makes it a dream watch for many people. Apart from that, the Academy Christophe Colomb is THE watch for me – but it doesn’t come cheap! It’s amazing how they’ve managed to incorporate a sphere inside a watch, but still make it comfortable to wear. It’s incredible. I think collectors would be happy to have these two watches in their collections.

Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II

 

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