After spending the last two summer transfer windows in the gossip column, Dani Alves is actually, really, leaving Barcelona this time around.
Last May he had to put up with constant links away from the club to the likes of Manchester United in the build-up to the Champions League final, but eventually agreed to sign-on for another year at the Catalan club.
You can still go to support the boys in green in Saint - Denis https://t.co/fofTGDtROI
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 3, 2016
This time around, it's for real, and although nothing is official despite it looking almost certain that he will join Juventus, Barcelona have confirmed that he will be leaving.
This has prompted Alves, who has spent eight successful (ridiculously successful, actually) seasons at Barca, to bid farewell to the fans.
In one month it will be eight years since my arrival at FC Barcelona. In July 2008, I joined this club and I took the kit in which I have lived the most important accomplishments of my career. From day one, from the first training under the orders of Pep Guardiola, until the last of this last season, I have had the fortune to passionately enjoy my football.
I have dozens, hundreds, of images recorded in my mind of moments shared with you at the Camp Nou and on the streets of Barcelona… many goal celebrations, and happiness at winning titles. I am a privileged, honoured worker and footballer, whom life has allowed me to wear the shirt of the best club in the world in a prodigious decade for the quality of its players and coaches.
I could mention one by one all the extraordinary people with whom I have had the pleasure of overcoming challenges and difficulties in the many ways that have been presented throughout this time, but I prefer to give them a set thanks, because in the Barcelona locker room there is no room for individuality: We all win, we all lose. And we work together. And pulling the ship, presidents, ‘misters’ (managers) coaching staff, club workers … all of them thank you very much because they have always rewarded my efforts with their trust and support.
With this letter I just wanted to let you know that I made the decision to seek a new challenge in my career, because you have to know when the finish each stage at the correct time. And my point is this. I go, but I will return, because I’m a culé more. Thanks for making me feel loved.
Dani Alves is a cracking player and will be missed on the pitch, but really his presence in the dressing room is what Barca will struggle to fill after his departure.
Who else is going to ride down an escalator like this?
