Eric Abidal hoping for France return

Monaco defender Eric Abidal has revealed that he is hopeful of returning to the France squad ahead of the World Cup next summer.

The 33-year-old, who returned to football in April following a liver transplant, has been handed the captaincy for his club side in the new season.

"In order to hope to return to the French team, certain steps have to happen, and I need to play matches," he told FIFA.com.

"It would be nice to have it as a goal but I don't like to speak too quickly. I want to prove myself before thinking more about it."

Abidal joined Monaco from Barcelona this summer.