Juventus-bound Dani Alves admits the time has come for him to leave Barcelona in an open letter to the club’s fans following news of his departure on Thursday.
Alves joined Barca in the summer of 2008 as Pep Guardiola’s first signing and went on to win 30 trophies with La Blaugrana in that time, including the treble twice, and he is free to embark on a new challenge, expected to be at Juve.
“In one month, it’ll have been eight years since my arrival at FC Barcelona,” the right-back began in an Instagram post.
Juventus-bound Dani Alves admits the time has come for him to leave Barcelona in an open letter to the club’s fans following news of his departure on Thursday.
Alves joined Barca in the summer of 2008 as Pep Guardiola’s first signing and went on to win 30 trophies with La Blaugrana in that time, including the treble twice, and he is free to embark on a new challenge, expected to be at Juve.
“In one month, it’ll have been eight years since my arrival at FC Barcelona,” the right-back began in an Instagram post.
“In July 2008, I came to this club for the first time and took my place in the dressing room, where I experienced the most important accomplishments of my career.
“From day one, from the first training session under the orders of Pep Guardiola, until the last one of the season that has just passed, I’ve had the luck of enjoying football passionately.
“I have dozens, 100s even, of photos in my mind of moments shared with you [Barca fans] at Camp Nou, the pitches of the world’s best stadiums, in the streets of Barcelona … so many goal celebrations, lots of happiness in the form of trophies.
“I’m a privileged and honoured footballer, whose life has allowed him to wear the shirt of the best club in the world, in a prodigious decade for the quality of their 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 they’ve been presented, but I prefer to give them a collective thanks because in Barca’s dressing room, there’s no room for individuality.
“We all win, we all lose and we all work together. And for all those who have steered the ship, the Presidents, the Coaches, the coaching staff, the club employers, I thank them all very much because my efforts have always been rewarded with their trust and support.
“I just want to let you know that I’ve made the decision to seek a new challenge in my career because, with cycles – which have been beautiful and glorious – you have to know when to start, enjoy and finish them, and this is my time.
“I’m going, but I’ll return one day because I'm one more Cule. Thanks for making me feel so loved.”
A statement on Barca’s official website added: “FC Barcelona express their gratitude to Dani Alves for the eight years that he has been at the club during which he has helped it to become bigger and better.
“Since he arrived from Sevilla in 2008 from Sevilla, he has become the foreign player with the second most appearances as a Barca player and he has won 23 trophies with FC Barcelona.
“His commitment to the club and his good nature has captured the hearts of Barca fans. For that reason, he will be invited to bid farewell to the fans at the start of next season.
“Now, FC Barcelona wish him all the best in this new phase of his footballing career.”