Dani Alves sends message to Barcelona fans after sealing return
By Tom Gott
Dani Alves has revealed he is looking forward to helping to rebuild 'the best club in the world' after sealing an emotional return to Barcelona.
The 38-year-old becomes Barcelona's oldest signing in their professional history after putting pen to paper on a one-year contract to return to Camp Nou, where he will be reunited with new manager Xavi in training next week.
Alves cannot be registered by La Liga until January but is free to train with the team immediately and is set to do just that.
After news of his return to the club was confirmed, Alves took to Instagram to let his feelings flood out.
"Almost five years fighting like crazy to get to this moment," Alves said. "I didn't know it would take so long, I didn't know it would be so difficult, but I knew within my heart and within my soul that this day would come.
"I go home to where I never left and, as I said before I left, I am one of you. I don't know how long this dream will last, but may it be eternal.
"See you soon, back at the place that fascinates me the most, with the same enthusiasm as the first time and with the same desire to help rebuild the best club in the world."
Those in charge at Camp Nou had initially rejected the chance to re-sign Alves following his departure from Sao Paulo, but Xavi made it clear that he wanted the veteran around to help him restore Barcelona to their former glory.
For Alves, it's a chance to add to the 391 appearances he made for Barcelona between 2008 and 2016, and he'll also have dreams of adding a seventh La Liga title to his trophy cabinet before he hands his boots up.