Dani Alves talks Messi, Barça return and his views on money

Days after Barcelona confirmed the appointment of Xavi Hernandez as the manager, the club also welcomed back another legend, as Dani Alves was signed on a free transfer.

The Brazilian, 38, had been a free agent since September after his contract with Sao Paulo FC had run out. And the Blaugrana pounced on the chance to bring back the icon to Camp Nou.

The right-back has signed a short-term contract till the end of the season. His presence will add a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team while youngsters can learn so much from a player as experienced as Alves.

Speaking in a recent interview with SPORT, the veteran defender admitted that he had been wanting to return for Barcelona for the last five years and was thankful it finally materialised.

“I’ve been trying to re-join Barça for the last five years. When I left for Juventus I said to myself that I would have a couple of great seasons there, then return to Barça. Obviously, it did not work out. I went to PSG later. And it did not work out either. Then Brazil… nothing. I had the same mentality,” he said.

“It’s difficult to return to Barça when you play in Brazil and people say that you are finished. But I wanted to return to this great club.”

Alves also opened up about Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentine’s struggles in France, saying: “Football taught me that no matter your talent, you always have to adapt to your new adventure. It doesn’t matter who you are.

“That’s happening with Messi right now. He is human too. He left the club of his life to another club where everything is new.”

Alves returned to Barça at a time when the club is going through troubles financially. So, the Brazilian did not get a hefty contract upon return. Speaking of the situation, the right-back explained that the money was never a consideration for him.

“Everyone is used to only caring about the money, not me though. Before, I never had money. For me, having a couple million more won’t change my life. Life ends, and we don’t take our boats or private jets to the grave. We have the memories and the good moments,” the 38-year-old said.

Alves is yet to make his official second debut for Barcelona, as he is not registered to play in any of the competitions yet. However, he did participate in the Maradona Cup defeat to Boca Juniors earlier this month in Riyadh.

With Barcelona set to register him in the winter window, the Brazilian will make his first appearance of the season when teams return to La Liga action after the mid-season break.