The second stint for Dani Alves at Barcelona turned out to be not quite as glorious or lengthy as the first.
The 39-year-old defender has confirmed that his time at Barcelona has come to an end, after he made an unexpected return to the club in November 2021.
“Dear cules (Barcelona fans), the time to say goodbye has really arrived now,” Alves said on Instagram. “For more than 8 years I have dedicated myself to this club, these colors and this home, but like everything in life, the years go by and the paths take a detour and the stories are written for some moments in other places, and that is how it has happened.
“They tried to get rid of me but they could not but what you all cannot imagine, or maybe you can, is just how resistant and resilient I am.
“A lot of years passed until football and life, which are as always very grateful to those who respect them, decided to give me another chance to return here so that I could say goodbye. But I am not saying goodbye until I say thank you to all of those behind the scenes, all who helped make ours perfect. To all of them: THANKS.
“May the world never forget: EVEN A LION THAT IS 39 YEARS OLD CONTINUES TO BE A GOOD CRAZY LIONNN. Para siempre VISCA AL BARÇA!”
https://www.instagram.com/tv/Ce1ZW72qvr5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
After a glorious eight-year spell with Barcelona between 2008 and 2016, Alves returned last November and made 16 total appearances after he was eligible to play starting in January.
Alves saw his contract expire and had been aiming for a new deal, but ESPN reported that Barcelona decided against a renewal.
The veteran right back is hoping to stay in Europe as he eyes a spot on Brazil’s World Cup roster for Qatar.
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