Dani Alves was back at his beloved Camp Nou last night with Juventus, having left Barcelona for Turin last summer. The Brazilian was a mainstay of the Barca defence (or, more practically, attack) for nine, absurdly successful years, which included three European Cups.
Alves left Barca somewhat reluctantly ahead of this season, and complained of feeling "in the firing line" at Barca, and left after one too many stories claiming he wasn't wanted by the Barca hierarchy. He explained his departure to FIFA.com.
I have to say that I did not feel as comfortable any more at Barca. 'It is different but it is a challenge at the same time. It was strange to begin with, but I have always enjoyed a challenge, which is why I decided to make the move.
Alves also reckons that he is missed at Barca, thanks to his bubbly, extroverted character:
Barcelona now? It's strange. I'm sure they miss me!
I think they appreciated me as a professional, a football player, and as someone who was good to have around the place, who made every game unique, with a new dance or new music or whatever.
I brought a bit of joy to the dressing room. I've spoken to them and they've told me that that's what they miss about me the most: how happy I am and the way I am. They say I'm unique.
Plenty would agree that Alves is unique, and he courted scorn for missing the kick-off of tonight's Champions League second-leg at the Camp Nou. Alves was marking his compatriot Neymar, but spent a little too long catching up with the Barca bench, and was still shaking hands and cracking gags as the referee blew his whistle.
Dani Alves
We're not sure whether Enrique was delighted to see him, or whether he was just glad to see him off the pitch.
