Abidal, who will turn 34 in July, said Thursday he would have liked to continue playing for the Spanish club.
"Football for me is a passion since I was a child," Abidal said. "I don't see myself quitting now.
"I have made all this effort to come back to play football. My health is better now.
"When my body tells me to stop, I will hang up the boots. I would have liked to keep on playing here, but the club sees it differently and I have to respect that."
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell said the door is open for Abidal to return and join its technical staff when he finishes his playing career.
Abidal thanked his teammates, his coaches, and above all the team doctors and physical therapists that helped him through his medical issues.
Even though he was obviously disappointed that Barcelona had not offered to extend his contract, Abidal said that he had spent the "most intense years of his life" at the club.
"I am going, but I am sure that I will be back," he said. "I have a very interesting offer from the club that I will have to think about."
Abidal, who was visibly moved by the moment, spoke in front of a packed media room. He showed some tears during a tribute video the club dedicated to him after he said he wouldn't be playing again for the team. He then embraced and kissed the cheek of each of his teammates, coaches and doctors before leaving the press hall.
Abidal said he wants to keep playing as long as his health allows, but that he had not received any offers from other clubs yet and that he would wait until he finishes his contract until sounding out his next move
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