Dani Alves: I will rebuild Barcelona

Tom Grant
  • 14 Nov 2021 16:40 GMT
  • 3 min read
Dani Alves lifts the Champions League trophy for Barcelona in 2015/16
© ProShots

Dani Alves made a shock return to Barcelona on Friday with the aim of returning the club to former glories.

The 38-year old Brazilian became the first signing of the new Xavi era and took to social media to send a message to Blaugrana fans.

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Ironically, Alves was the first signing of Pep Guardiola's time as manager at the Camp Nou in 2008 and went on to play for the club 391 times.

What did Dani Alves say?

And he helped the club win La Liga six times, the Champions League three times and the Spanish Cup four times during his time in Barcelona before leaving under a cloud to join Juventus on a free transfer.

I am with you again and I'm very happy to return home, I hope to see you soon. I want to be able to enjoy and rebuild the Barcelona that we loved so much
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It's these types of triumphs Alves is desperate to help the Catalan giants return to and new manager Xavi will be grateful for his vast experience.

Speaking on the Barcelona Twitter feed Alves spoke directly to supporters.

"Hello Cules, I'm already here in Barcelona," he said in a video.

Xavi is presented as Barcelona's new head coach
© ProShots

"I am with you again and I'm very happy to return home, I hope to see you soon. I want to be able to enjoy and rebuild the Barcelona that we loved so much."

How did Dani Alves return come about?

The return of midfield legend Xavi to Barcelona as manager was instrumental in returning the right-back to the place he calls 'home'.

Alves had actually offered his services to the club earlier in the season, only for it to be dismissed.

But Xavi gave his approval and will now hope the veteran defender will be key in the rebuilding job he has with a team in transition.

Alves can't play for the club until he is registered as a new signing in the January transfer window but will train with the first team on Monday, rekindling old friendships with players such as Gerard Pique and David Alba.

Read more about: La Liga, Barcelona, Dani Alves

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