Eric Abidal is hopeful of going “full circle” by joining Monaco, where he began his professional career.
The French international defender is on the hunt for a new club after being released by Barcelona, and has his heart set on a return to his alma mater.
Abidal has had contract talks with the promoted Ligue 1 big spenders but is yet to be offered an invitation to join the club.
In the interim, he says he has also fielded interest from PSG and Bayern Munich, and until Monaco make him an official offer, he is keeping the door open to any other clubs.
“I've always said Monaco were going to be my first choice. But my door is still open to the other clubs who have approached me," Abidal told RTL.
“I'm optimistic [the move to Monaco will come through], but it's true that in the world of football, it's complicated.
"My telephone is working. If I have to go to Monaco, I'll go. If it doesn't work out, we'll see about another opportunity.
"I would certainly like to return to France. I know a lot of coaches, notably Pep Guardiola, Remi Garde, Laurent Blanc. I was in contact too with Gerard Houllier about New York and Claude Puel at Nice.
"So the doors are open. I had several options, either to go full circle at Monaco where I started, or go and seek an enormous challenge with Bayern or PSG in the Champions League."
