Alves born to win and here to play

Dani Alves is the embodiment of passion, joy and football. He is a Barça fan like the rest of us, something he stated several times during his press conference presentation in Auditori 1899, alongside president Joan Laporta, vice-president Rafael Yuste and Director of Football Mateu Alemany. “Everything I do is with the aim of bringing enjoyment to the fans. I am a fan too and I never want to let them down”, he assured, minutes after being acclaimed by over 10,000 fans in the Camp Nou.

The press conference for the new FC Barcelona number '8' reinforced the vibes of his first few days at the Club. Dani Alves has returned to Barcelona with an extremely positive approach and is ready to set the team on the right path after an indifferent start to the season. “Changing things requires being very positive. We need to look at solutions rather than problems. We need to come together”, he stated.

He is clearly chomping at the bit. His age won't prove a handicap, as in his own words, "it's just a number". “The desire and fighting spirit to be successful remain the same though. I might have less hair now but my desire is still strong. I know Barça's history and what these colours represent. We will get there quicker if we all pull in the same direction”.

"I want to contribute both on and off the pitch"

When asked about his role in the squad, Dani Alves painted a clear picture. “I was born to win. I haven't come to Barcelona to put my feet up. I am here to play, fight for my place and earn the right to play”, he stated. Regarding his position on the pitch, he indicated that he has been training as a full-back so far: “I know that position best, but I can do other things. I don't limit myself”.

The Brazilian forecast a link-up with Ousmane Dembélé on the team's right flank. “He is an outstanding player, he needs to realise how good he is. What a player and I want him to know how much he can help Barça. We'll ensure to remind him of his worth and that he has a big future with Barça”, he assured.

How did his signing come about?

One of the funniest parts of the press conference was when Dani Alves explained how his signing for Barça came about. “I started badgering the president, telling him that I wanted to come back, I wanted to come back. Practically all I have came from when I was with Barça”, he stated.

Ultimately, he received a call that confirmed the news: “Xavi called and said that he wanted me here if I wanted to come. Everything else, the financial side, was very straightforward and not even a concern”.

In this sense, president Laporta thanked the player for the financial malleability that enabled him to join Barça. He also confirmed that Xavi was one of those pushing for him to sign: "Xavi told me that Alves is one of those people you need in the dressing room". No sooner said than done.