Following his departure from Brazilian side Sao Paulo, Dani Alves opted to make a grand return to Barcelona. The longtime fullback came to terms with Barca club officials last week on a mere one-year deal and for now, he will not be allowed to feature in matches with the team until January.
In the weeks ahead of his official return to Barca, Alves had publicly voiced his interest in rejoining the Catalan side. Barca president Joan Laporta later fueled the possibility of a reunion with Alves when he acknowledged that the Brazilian “offered his help from a sporting perspective.”
For Alves, there were several factors behind his decision to rejoin Barcelona — a club with which he won 23 trophies during his first run there. Among them was the fact that Barca manager Xavi Hernandez reached out to him to gauge his interest in a return to the side, which the Brazilian fullback opened up about during his club presentation.
“I was bothering the president, insisting that I wanted to return,” Alves said. “This club has given me everything I have. I didn't see myself under any obligation, but I was happy to help.
“He [Xavi] called me and told me he was counting on me… We are willing to do anything to see Barca at the top of the table, to win titles and the celebrations when we win are very nice.”
Alves has had experience in not only playing as a fullback but also as a winger and midfielder. In the big picture, he is simply open to helping out the team wherever needed.
“I come to play as a fullback, but I can do other things and when you put a limit on what you can do, it reduces your chances,” Alves said. “My focus is the team. Xavi will decide. I am training as a fullback, working to win my place.”
For now, Alves will continue to feature in scheduled training sessions with the team for the remainder of the calendar year.
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