Dani Alves was presented again as a new FC Barcelona player more than thirteen years after his previous arrival at the Barcelona club. Many things have happened between 2008, when the Brazilian I was 25 years old and he was one of the wingers with the most international projection, and the current 2021, the year in which he returns as an illustrious veteran and as the footballer with the most collective titles in history to a group that pursues a generational renewal. But what has not changed, perhaps has increased, is their relationship with the fans: more than 10,000 fans, who they were arriving in an incessant dripping from an hour and a half before the act of the presentation and that almost filled a good part of the Segona Graderia de Tribuna and unfolded towards the two Goals, they acclaimed him in a warm welcome. They expect a lot from him and the player is willing not to disappoint them: “I’m not going to let them down, I guarantee that. They made me feel like one of them and that is why I am here, everything I do is for them to enjoy ”, said the Brazilian before the media shortly after being acclaimed at the Camp Nou.
Alves is very clear that “for me it is a great honor and a pleasure to wear the Barça shirt ”. And he explained that “a long time ago the president gave me the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful things and now he gives me the idea of living it again”, thus pointing to Joan Laporta. He recalled that “this house has been made of great moments, of experiencing great things, that’s why we are more than a club. Much of this history has been made here and we hope to continue to do so. “
“There is one thing that does not change: the desire”
Knowing that his 38 years they will be the subject of debate Over the next year, Alves affirmed that “I have one thing that does not change, which is the desire. I have a little more hair, but the desire is the same. I know what this club represents, I know what I can contribute ”. Character, combative spirit … and charisma: “I can not only contribute inside, but also outside: create synergy with the club and fans, that synergy will make the results change.” Is conviced that the situation can be improved; “It is normal for people to be suspicious, but they know what the strength of the team is, but if we row from the same side, the boat will reach port more quickly.”
It warns that “age is just a number. There are many great players out there giving a high level, it is my goal, I just demonstrated it at the Olympics ”. And he insists: “People will expect the best of me and I will respond.”
From the first day, make it clear what to do bulge in the staff or play a companion role, nothing: “I was not born to be second, I was born to be first. I do not come to pass the time, I come to play, to fight for a position “, he assured, to finish off:”With my job I am going to be able to do everything I have done, to contribute from within. I can contribute from the outside, but more from the inside ”. And he left no doubt about his demarcation: “We have spoken with Xavi and I have become a full-back, but I don’t put limits on myself. At the moment I am training as a winger and fighting to earn my space, not because of what I have achieved in the past but because of the desire. I’m going to earn the right to wear that shirt. “
Room for improvement in the team
He assured, although without specifying objectives, that the team has room for improvement: “I see the team well, but things can be done better, everyone playing in harmony.” It is considered key to recover the essences of the game: “We need again to have that organization, to have the ball, to recover all that, which is what makes that club different ”. And he reminded the new ones that “up here (first team) there is no margin of error. There are a lot of good people. We can do better, that is the spirit we must implement ”.
On the difficulties the club has had to cover the demarcation as a right-back since his departure, he commented that “great players have passed in the club, not only full-backs, but it is a particular thing: just being good is not enough, here you have to be more than good, understand the philosophy of the club … but they are great players”. And about Dest, he stated that “I am going to try to help him, he is a great player, he has everything, we are going to try to make him see how things are done at Barça. These players have to be clothed. They need care ”.
He joked with the possibility of convince Messi to return: “If they give me a couple of hours …”, he ventured. But immediately afterwards he clarified that “the stories are written. It is the greatest thing I have ever had as a partner, it would be incredible to have him here but unfortunately he knows that it is not like that. I would encourage everyone to return, it is the best place, I guarantee it, like this there is none, but the story is different ”.
He assured that “I don’t think about anything in the long run, I have until June and then we’ll see. Here you have to have a high mark to continue ”. And, recalling the right wing that he formed with Xavi and Messi, he had words of praise for Dembélé: “It’s a exceptional player you need to believe that you can help. We will take care to remind you. You can do a lot of great things here. “
At the moment, massive presentation: “It has been special to dress me short Once again with Barça, I have felt at home without any doubt. It has made me remember many things that I have lived through and bring joy to them. In recent times this team has been charged with negative things and it is time to change them. It is the mission of the club, Xavi, mine and we can only do it together. Once again we are going to transform the club as we did years ago. It is a wonderful opportunity ”.
“A self-made person”
Joan Laporta, for his part, stated that “it is a day of great joy, emotions that are repeated, we had them when he arrived at Barça and we met again”. He revealed that “I commented to Xavi that Dani was available to help, and Xavi told me that he is one of the people who are needed in a team. She is a self-made person, with soul, with character. The reception is a test of the esteem of the people. You have earned it, Dani ”.
As to a possible return of Iniesta and Messi, Laporta was ambitious: “I don’t rule it out. It is something that has happened with Dani, he has said that he comes to help, he has made a huge financial effort, due to the difficult provisional situation of the club. The fact of having made this effort is appreciated. He is one of the people who have made this club great and you tell me about players who are spectacular. Messi, Iniesta … we always have them in memory, but they have a contract with other clubs ”.