After an 8-year stint in Barcelona, Dani Alves has decided to part ways with Enrique’s men. Since having joined from Sevilla, the Brazilian has racked up 391 appearances for the Catalan outfit with a goal tally of 21 goals but that does not begin to do justice to the impact he has had down the right-hand side of the park. His chemistry with Messi was dubbed as special and his attacking prowess was duly noted by teammates and rivals all the same.
Robert Fernandez, the sporting director of Fc Barcelona announced the explosive wing-back’s departure mid-week and stated that it was a bitter truth but a decision made by the player that the club and fans should respect. Reports of his departure have been making the rounds for a couple of seasons but the exit has finally come to.
His place in the line-up could be filled by the existing talent of Alex Vidal who has not been utilised for much of the season but the Barcelona management have set their sights on Arsenal right-back and ex La Masia graduate, Hector Bellerin who has displayed great ability for the Gunners this past season.
Dani Alves took to his Instagram page to address his exit said that the club fostered the “greatest accomplishments of my professional career”.
“From the first day, from the first training session under Pep Guardiola until the last day of this past season, I have had the good luck to enjoy football with passion,” he added.
“I am a privileged, hard-working and honoured football player, for whom life has allowed me to wear the shirt of the best club in the world in a prodigious decade marked by the quality of the players and coaches.
“I am going, but I will be back, because I am not just another player.”
Alves leaves the club having won three Champions Leagues, six La Liga titles and four Copa del Rey trophies.
No news of his future is certain as he leaves the club a free agent. Insider talk suggests that he could find a home for his talent at Juventus but when does that comes to fruition? We’ll just have to wait and watch.
