[misha]

Lyon full-back Eric Abidal has revealed that he turned down an offer from Milan in the hope of joining Barcelona.

The 27-year-old is expected to sign a deal with the Spanish giants on Friday and is looking forward to teaming up with fellow countryman Thierry Henry, who also arrived in Catalonia this week.

“Barcelona are just the club where I have always dreamed of playing when I was a kid. They are a great outfit,” said Abidal in an interview with L’Equipe.

“Milan were interested in me? It is true. They are a prestigious club, but today Italy is not my aim. Maybe when I am older I will change my mind,” added the Frenchman.

“The day I signed for Lyon I could not believe it so, if as expected, I sign for Barcelona on Friday I will be in the same state of mind. It really is a dream come true.

“I spoke on the phone with Henry. He called me during the holidays to tell me that he would sign for them, so I did the same when I knew I would sign,” concluded the former Monaco defender.

Abidal, who joined Lyon from Lille in 2004, is expected sign a four-year contract with the Blaugrana, who have agreed to pay the French champions around £10m

Break a leg at Barca (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)