For the second time in his career, Dani Alves has announced his exit from Barcelona. This time though, it appears to be final and the Brazilian has more or less closed his chapter with the Spanish giants.
In plain terms, not many players exist anymore in the mould of Dani Alves. It is safe to say his legacy in the full-back role will surely be talked about for decades to come.
Alves is also the most decorated player in the history of football with 46 titles at senior level. Officially, he has 47 titles to his name.
After six years away from the club, the 39-year-old re-joined Barcelona last November on a free transfer. He played an integral role in Barcelona’s second-half season revival under Xavi Hernandez. The Brazilian featured in 14 LaLiga matches, scoring one goal and recording three assists since he returned to the Camp Nou after leaving six years ago.
Alves pens down an emotional farewell message
Alves wanted to play for one more season at Barcelona but the club’s hierarchy opted against that and informed the player of their decision.
With no hard feelings involved, the player took to social media to announce his exit, leaving Barcelona fans with an emotional farewell for the second time.
“Dear Cules (Barcelona fans), the time to say goodbye has really arrived now,” Alves wrote on Instagram. “For more than 8 years I have dedicated myself to this club, these colours and this home, but like everything in life, the years go by and the paths take a detour and the stories are written for some moments in other places, and that is how it has happened.
“They tried to get rid of me but they could not but what you all cannot imagine, or maybe you can, is just how resistant and resilient I am.
“A lot of years passed until football and life, which are as always very grateful to those who respect them, decided to give me another chance to return here so that I could say goodbye. But I am not saying goodbye until I say thank you to all of those behind the scenes, all who helped make ours perfect. To all of them: THANKS.
“May the world never forget: EVEN A LION THAT IS 39 YEARS OLD CONTINUES TO BE A GOOD CRAZY LIONNN. Para siempre VISCA AL BARÇA!”
What next for Alves?
Alves is already attracting interest from several European sides and could be willing to play the beautiful game for at least one more season. His experience will come as a valuable asset to any side and he has shown he still has physical juice left in his task as well.
The veteran defender will also be looking to stay fit ahead of the 2022 World Cup, with the hopes that he can have one last dance with Brazil in search of the one medal missing from his exclusive list.
A return to native Brazil is also on the cards for Alves and the player is reportedly open to exploring that option as well.
