Dani Alves confirms the coverage of his departure from Barcelona on Wednesday evening. The 39-year-old right-back would have loved to stay at the Camp Nou for at least another six months, but was told his contract will not be renewed. “Like everything in life, the years pass, the paths diverge and stories are written in different places,” Alves wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
At the end of last year, Alves volunteered to help Barca, which was then in very difficult sporting weather, and signed on January 1 for a minimal contract. The experienced right-back performed well and, despite his age, played sixteen official games in six months. The Brazilian was eager to stay and even proposed to sign a six-month contract, so that he could at least remain active at the highest level until the World Cup in Qatar. Barcelona, however, put a line through that proposal. Alves has already said goodbye to his fellow players.
“It’s time for my goodbyes,” said the South American, who had a very successful first period at Barcelona between 2008 and 2016 and is now leaving for the second time. “I have been associated with the club for more than eight years of my life. I want to thank everyone, including those outside the spotlight. I want to thank the club management and staff for making a return possible. You don’t know how happy that makes me I hope you will not miss my madness and daily dose of cheerfulness.”
During his time as a Barcelona player, Alves collected an astronomical number of 23 prizes. “I am closing a very beautiful period and now a new one is coming that is even more challenging. May the world never forget: even if a lion is 39 years old, it is still a pleasantly insane mad lion! Visca al Barcelona forever!”
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