LONDON, May 28 (Reuters) - Eric Abidal was stunned with gratitude after Barcelona captain Carles Puyol invited him to lift the Champions League trophy and cap a triumphant return from illness at Wembley on Saturday.

Puyol made the gesture to his team mate at the end of their 3-1 win over Manchester United, clearing the way for the Frenchman to take the honour following his return to the side after having a liver tumour removed.

“I can’t explain the emotions I have,” Abidal told reporters. “It’s spectacular. I’m so thankful for the gesture.”

Barca were shocked in March when Abidal, who had been in imperious form, was diagnosed with a liver tumour.

After undergoing surgery to have the tumour removed, the 31-year-old returned as a late substitute to a rapturous reception in the Champions League semi-final second leg at the Nou Camp at the start of this month, when Barca secured a 3-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.

The France international joined the Spanish champions from Olympique Lyon in 2007 and has also played for Ligue 1 sides Lille and AS Monaco.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola also praised his captain for a gesture he described as making the club stronger.

“I want to thank Carles publicly for the gesture,” he said. “It honours the club and makes us stronger.