Dani Alves Oozed Passion In Speech To Barcelona Teammates, He's The Player They Need

Dani Alves displayed passion in abundance during his first day back at Barcelona.

The Brazilian right-back has returned to the Blaugrana at the age of 38, signing a short-term contract until the end of the season.

Alves had been vocal about wanting to head back to the Nou Camp and is reportedly the lowest-paid player at Barca - with performance-related bonuses into his deal.

He can't play officially until January but the former Sevilla man was back at the Ciutat Esportiva training complex on Monday.

And Barca filmed his first speech given to some of his teammates who haven't been on international duty with their respective countries.

"It is a pleasure to be here after such a long time," Alves began, as per Mundo Deportivo. To return here is an honour, a pleasure.

"To be able to share with you again. I come to learn from you, now the new world. But from the old one, I want to convey one thing: to know what It represents this club and this shirt.

"I have been abroad and this is the best place to do great things, to live. You are here, value it because there is nothing better outside.

"Insist that it is a pleasure to be here with you. Come on to do great things because this club is made of this, of doing great things."

Alves was given a round of applause from the players present. He also linked up with former colleagues Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Sergio Roberto.

And of course there was a special embrace with Xavi, who is now managing Alves after years of being his captain.

Alves had tried to return on two occasions but a deal could not be done. After being successful at the third time of asking, he described signing for Barca for a second time as a "great honour".

During his first spell, Alves racked up 391 appearances over eight years and won an incredible 23 trophies, including six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

Despite not getting any younger, Alves still harbours hopes of playing at the 2022 World Cup with Brazil.

He won gold with the Selecao at the 2020 Olympic football tournament last summer.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Barcelona

Topics: Dani Alves, Barcelona, Xavi

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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