BARCELONA, Spain -- Eric Abidal underwent his scheduled liver transplant on Tuesday as more than 70,000 fans at Camp Nou paid tribute to the France defender during Barcelona's 4-0 win over Getafe in the Spanish league.
Barcelona Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta told Canal Plus TV that Abidal was in a hospital, undergoing surgery during the game. The 76,041 spectators paid tribute to Abidal after 22 minutes, the number matching his jersey.
"We still don't have any news. We're hoping the doctors tell us something," Zubizarreta said. "We know he's in good hands."
The 32-year-old underwent liver surgery to remove a tumor in March 2011 and returned for the final part of last season. He played this season until last month, before the club said a transplant was necessary.
"We wanted to dedicate (the win) to Abidal and his cousin, Gerard (who donated the liver)," coach Pep Guardiola said.
