Alves: "I like to compete with the best"

Barcelona player Daniel Alves gave an interview to Spanish sports weekly paper Don Balón.





Do you notice that the supporters are uneasy with Real Madrid only six points away? What would you tell them?
There's no need to stress before any possible disappointment because that's worse than anything. We're privileged to be in a good position and I'd be sure to win the league with three points advantage because the title is worth the same if it's won with twelve points advantage or three. We're not trying to annoy the opposing fans, but we don't care. The players know that we need to work hard until the end if we want to win.

According to you, what was the cause of the bad streak you had in the end of February?
It's hard to maintain the same level in three competitions, but we're happy that the bad streak happened when it needed to, in February and not now during the most important matches of the season.

Do you think that Real Madrid will win every match they have left?
If they're able to last a streak of 20 matches being undefeated and winning everything that is left, then let's stop thinking and lets get to work. Regardless, we also will try to win everything so if they win everything that's left, then things will still be how they are.

Let's talk about the Champions League, are you happy with the fixture in the quarter finals against Bayern or do you prefer a simpler rival?
To win the Champions League you need to defeat the best. There will be a moment when you can't be picking, because there won't be any easy teams.

Klose will miss the round from injury, Luca Toni is a doubt and it'll be your duty to handle the nastiest opponent, Franck Ribery...
We shouldn't think of who won't be playing, but of Bayern as a whole. As for Ribery, he's obviously a player with qualities that's fast and agile, so I'll have to play with an eye on him. But I like to compete with the best.

Is it a disadvantage to play the second leg away?
Experience teaches you that sometimes when you wanted to play the return leg at home they eliminate you and when you played it away you go through. Winning at home is an advantage, but what's important is how you do in the second leg. So I don't know which is best.

Tell me your dreams in the world of football...
It's easy. In terms of clubs, winning the League and the Champions League. And in terms of national teams, with Brazil, the World Cup. If I can get any other trophy on the way, then the better (laughs).

How do you see Brazil on the verge of South Africa 2010? Do you put Spain within the main rivals?
Spain is the champion of Europe so you must put them within the favorites. With Brazil, it's a bit of the same. They're always within the favorites, but you can't always think like that or else you'll end up going home sooner than expected. What's important is getting to the World Cup and then what must happen will happen.

Do you expect a final with Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta and friends in the opposing team?
It'll be something special. Hopefully something like that will happen because we would enjoy that day with a spectacular match.

translated by al


This is the third and last part of this interview. You can read the previous parts here:
Alves: "On the field I sometimes go overboard"
Alves: "I miss Xavi and Iniesta during Brazil games"

Alves: "I miss Xavi and Iniesta during Brazil games"

Barcelona player Daniel Alves gave an interview to Spanish sports weekly paper Don Balón.





How did you feel when it was certain that you would be a Barcelona player?
It was a great feeling because it was already three years that I spent trying to leave to a "big" club and I wasn't able to. And when all that was needed was my signature, I still couldn't believe it. I only know that it was one of the most important decisions of my life and it was very correct.

Have you found many differences between Sevilla and Barcelona?
They're special cities and each one has their qualities. What I liked most about Sevilla was the care that the people would give you. In that aspect, it reminds me of Brazil. In return, what I like about Barcelona is that people are very sincere. If they're your friends, they're truly your friends. If they tell you something it's because they think it.

Sport wise, which team is better: the Sevilla that won five titles or the spectacular Barca of Guardiola?
Barca because of its quality and the big name players. Regardless, it's clear that we're still just starting. You can't argue against numbers, which is why you need to give time to this Barca and then you can finally make comparisons.

Would you agree that Barca is potentially the best team in the world right now?
In terms of players, there is no doubt. And also, because of difference. Many of the players are number one at their spots.

And is Messi the number one in the world?
To me, yes. Messi is the best in the world, but it's true that this condition must be shown with titles. That's why I think that's why picking Cristiano Ronaldo as the best in 2008 was deserved. Anyway, I'm sure that the recognition for Messi will happen soon because he's an impressive player.

Your connection with the Argentine on the right wing is quite something...
At Sevilla I already had a good partner in Jesus Navas, but even though he's a great player, we're talking about a player that still hasn't matured. With Messi, it's different. He's very mature, maybe because he debuted very young or because he's been playing important matches with the national team since young. Also, I repeat, he's the number one player in the world and it's easy to understand.

And leaving Messi aside, which player has surprised you?
I have to mention two players for making the sport simple and efficient. They're Xavi and Iniesta. I assure you that it's different when you're not working with them. Iniesta has great control of the ball and fantastic foot skills and Xavi is simply the ball's love. If you train with them you see that they're really spectacular. I miss them during qualification matches. To me, they're two important pieces to this team.

What can you tell me about Guardiola, your coach?
You can tell that the coach was once a player. He's an intelligent person, with a strong sense of conviction, and even if you need to gain his respect, he's another member of the group.

On a personal level, with who have you gotten along with the most this year?
I've always gotten along with everybody, but I probably have a better connection with Messi, Sylvinho, Pinto and Martin Caceres.

You recently said, about the rumors from Madrid, that if Messi or Iniesta went to Real Madrid it would be foolish. Can you explain that?
I think that these players will never leave Barca because of the respect they have for the club, and for the love they have for them. A player wants to be happy, feel wanted and play in a big team. They have it all, so why change it? And we're not talking about recent signings either, but about youth products who have built their life around Barcelona.

It's that simple to think?
Well, you can never say never in football. It's like that today and tomorrow you never know. Maybe it'll be the club that wants to transfer them. I always say that there are always other options than a main rival. I'll never play at Betis. If it were my last option, I would return to Brazil.

You've already told me that you'd never play for Betis. So you would also never play for Madrid?
No. There was a time that I had the chance to go to that club and it wasn't possible. It's past history and now I'm happy at Barcelona.

translated by al


This was the second part of the interview, you will be able to read the third and last part in the coming days. You can read the first part here:
Alves: "On the field I sometimes go overboard"

Read more:
Alves dismisses Chelsea and Madrid rumours
An evaluation of last year's transfer summer
Alves: "We're building a great team"

Alves: "On the field I sometimes go overboard"

Barcelona player Daniel Alves gave an interview to Spanish sports weekly paper Don Balón.





When was the first time you kicked a ball?
It was a long time ago, but I remember it because a ball basically represents life in Brazil. My father gave it to me and I was barely two years old. I remember it as a great joy, especially after all the hardships we were going through. A ball is therefore an important gift.

Your father, Domingos, then made you take the first step as a player...
My father played well and everybody wanted him on their team, but he only did well in the amateur levels. His wish was to have a footballer son and he first tried with my brother and then with me. Thank God that I could fulfill his dream.

And did he hope for a forward or the "best wing-back in the world" as Joan Laporta says?
In Brazil every father wants their son to be a center forward that scores goals. I also started like that, but as time passed I would lower positions down the field.

In your first years at Sevilla you would play as right center-back. Would you like to further up your position or are you a wing defender?
I'm always at the orders of the coach, but it's been a while since I found my ideal spot and that's as a right-back. In addition, I always looked up to Cafu.

In your case, is Dani Alves the same person both on and off the pitch?
They are separate. They are two completely different people. Outside of the pitch you'll recognize me because I'm a relaxed person and on the field I sometimes go overboard, but it's because I play my football with much intensity and with hope to enjoy and win.

Well, you don't have too many friends on the pitch...
It's true that we get a bit riled up on the pitch (laughs), but it's because you can't think about friends when you're competing. All in all, I'm one of those that clearly knows that what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. No need to take the disputes outside it.

What do you do to keep the same rhythm during the 90 minutes? What you do isn't normal...
It's also surprising to me, but I think that it's because of what I had to do to get here. I know that the key is to have a high level of concentration and will.

What memories do you have from your first professional team in Brazil, Bahia?
Without Bahia, Dani Alves wouldn't have existed in the football world. I debuted there at 18 years old, and it opened doors to the youth teams of Brazil. And at the same time it put me in front of the European scouts.

Do you remember the first time that they told you about the possibility to go to Spain and sign for Sevilla?
What I remember is that I immediately began to learn things about the club and the city. Fortunately, the signing was confirmed and today I can say that is was a prize to sign for Sevilla.

I don't think that in your greatest dreams you would imagine being a part of the most glorious era in the club's hundred years...
When I arrived at Sevilla, the club was fighting to stay in the league. Back then they weren't one of the "greats", but after a good era they began to sign great players and we all lived through the most golden era of this great club.

Who was the best player that you worked with at Sevilla? An ex-teammate that should sign for Barca?
Hopefully I'm not being biased because he's my friend, but a great player that I identify with is Luis Fabiano. He connected well with many passes and crosses of mine. If I could work with him again at a club it would be great.

Have you forgiven president Del Nido for taking so long to let you leave Sevilla?
I don't have to forgive Del Nido for anything. He was doing his job and keeping the club's best interests in mind. It's true that he lost respect sometimes, but today we keep a courteous relationship and I hope to keep it like that because I admire what he has done with Sevilla.

translated by al


This was the first part of the interview, you will be able to read the following parts here in the coming days.

Read more:
Chelsea will try to sign Alves this summer
An evaluation of last year's transfer summer
Alves: "I enjoy more when I give an assist"

Alves: "Valdes has a very difficult task"

Barcelona player Daniel Alves gave an interview to French sports paper Le 10 Sport.





Was Barcelona facing a crisis before the game against Lyon?
We have never been in a crisis situation. We just had a bad period. But in the last game againt Athletic Bilbao, the team has regained the good feeling and we created a lof of chances.

For a while now, Víctor Valdés has been the target of a lot of criticism...
I've always said that Víctor Valdés is a great goalkeeper. It's a very important guy for the team because his task at a team that is so attacking as Barça is very difficult. He has the quality and the mental strength to deal with the criticism.

What do you think of Thierry Henry?
Personally, I admire him enormously. What he has done at Barça is impressive. A world star like him, who plays for the team and works with so much modesty, it's sensational! I'm extremely happy that he has been able to overcome the little problems he had during is first season here and that he has returned this strong.

What do you think of the French league?
It's certainly not one of the best leagues in Europe. But I think you can find some very good players there. The truth is that I don't really follow it because the Spanish television channels offer far more images from the Premier League or the Serie A.

Who are for you the most talented french players?
Obviously, I like Karim Benzema a lot. But I also like players like Hatem ben Arfa or Yoann Gourcuff.


Read more:
Alves: "I enjoy more when I give an assist"
Schuster wanted Alves for Madrid midfield
Alves: "I have more energy every day"

Alves: "I enjoy more when I gave an assist"

Barcelona player Dani Alves gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.




Tomorrow there will be another derby, with the two teams being situated at both ends of the table. You'll act differently knowing what's happening to your colleagues?
It's not a nice thing to see colleagues going through such a bad time. I never experienced that but it's clear you don't wish that to anybody. I think that it's the baddest thing what can happen to you. If you lose a title, that is probably because the opponent has been stronger than you, but being relegated is very painfull. But when the whistle goes, one forgets that and even more in a derby when you don't have any friends. I feel bad for Néné, whom I know, but we'll do everything to defeat them. I hope things will go well for them but that the good results only come after the Saturday game.

A pity that Iniesta is not around.
It's a bad thing. Basically because it's not the first time it's happening to him and because things were going so well for him. When you're making progress it's the worst thing that can happen to you. It leaves a bad taste but Andrés is a great guy who will quickly return.

Why are you all so cautious when people talk about the three titles?
Because we didn't win anything for two years and you can't expect the change to be so radical. You have to do things little by little and in the right way. The team wants to win something to stop the bad series and once we have won the first, we can go for the second. But it's only February and there's still so much ahead.

But it all seems to go that easy, everything turns out right, no?
It seems like that, but it's not. When people get used to it, it seems that a big win isn't something difficult. They should be aware that we won't always win 5-0. The opponent intends to slow the games down and people can become impatient but three points are three points.

You seem to have a great connection with Messi.
We feel more comfortable every day and everything goes better. But the team is working good as a whole.

What nobody will put in doubts is your solidarity, because of your twelve assists.
The task of a full back is to assist his team-mates and I enjoy more giving an assist than scoring a goal myself. It's what we have to do. That's how I learnt it and that's how I see it.

You think Real Madrid is far away?
Although they are saying that's not the case, we have an important lead. Not enough to get overconfident but it's big. In Madrid they say they won back two points last weekend but even then they're still far away.

The stands applaud you and they're not just being polite. Your goal celebration against Sporting was distinctive.
I enjoy myself and I want the people to do the same. Celebrating with my arms open, I invited them to have confidence in us and that's the case, right? But now we even need them more because we're at a key moment. Every game is like a final and they need to be there to help us. Since I joined Barça everyone has treated me very well.

A cup final Barça-Sevilla is coming close...
It would be special and nice but if we reach the final we won't be able to decide who will be the opponent.


Read more:
Alves: "I have more energy every day"
Dani Alves about emotional return to Sevilla
Alves: "We're building a great team"

Alves: "I joined the perfect club at the perfect time"

Barcelona player Dani Alves gave an interview to British television channel Sky Sports.





What else can we say about this Barcelona side? It has been an extraordinary season!
I think that the spirit in the side has been reinvigorated. There is a great sense of ambition amongst the players because it has been a few years now since we won anything. When a club as big as Barcelona goes through a prolonged spell without winning a trophy it is difficult. Now we must hope that ambition can be translated into success.

The last time I saw you there was a huge offer on the table from Chelsea. You have ended up at Barcelona... Would you consider yourself lucky?
Yes, I was lucky because I feel like I joined the perfect club at the perfect time. I feel like the way I play and my work ethic fits in perfectly here so when I found out about the offer from Barcelona I didn’t want to think about anything else other than coming to play here.

It was a difficult start for you. It seemed that you were a little bit lost, but now everybody is saying that you are back to your best…
Starting at a new club is always difficult, but I think that when you join a club as big as Barcelona there is always such a great level of expectation and pressure, it makes it even trickier. It usually takes a while to adapt but my teammates have supported me and it has been quite a quick process, every day I feel more at home here.

Talk to us about Messi: How you link up with him? How you work on and off the pitch? What kind of person is he?
Well we always joke amongst ourselves about how instinctive football is. There is not a specific training drill that can prepare us for what we are going to do on the pitch. We understand the way each other plays and are able to link up well on the pitch and add something to the team; which is the most important thing.

You have mentioned a new spirit amongst the players that has been like a breath of fresh air. Does that apply to off the field as well? Do you go out together? Do you go for meals together as a squad or even in groups?
Whenever our schedule allows, we try and get together. Of course away from the club we have different friendships but what I learnt from Joaquin Caparros is that when we get together we have to be like a big family. The atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastically positive, we are enjoying ourselves and that is what football is all about. It really is a pleasure to be part of this group.

You obviously have a Brazilian soul but when it comes to your work ethic you are Germanic in your efficiency compared to other Brazilians. Would you agree?
I think I have managed to combine those two sides of my character. My Brazilian energy and passion combined with the serious work ethic that I have picked up here in Europe. It is here that I have developed as a professional. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to bring those elements together. I have always said that we are fortunate to have football as our profession. To be able to do what you love and feel; the support of the fans is a privilege that I am lucky enough to be able to enjoy and that many people would love to be able to experience. Every day I try and show that football is a passion for me and as such one must live it that way.

How much has your upbringing led to that attitude towards what you do?
Yes, I think that when you go through tough times, it helps you to appreciate and value things in the right way. It makes you appreciate all of the opportunities that you get and perhaps, if you have not experienced tough times, you do not appreciate things as much. But I think that I have been very lucky to get through the difficult times and now I am here making many dreams come true. It was worth suffering the tough time to get to this point.

What is Pep Guardiola like as a person? What is he like with you?
The truth is that he is just another one of us. His way of life and the intensity with which he lives the games, combined with his intelligence, is formidable. We consider him to be like another member of the squad, he is still physically fit and can still play a bit. His style is quite similar to mine in terms of intensity, but he has such vast experience to draw upon that he lives football in a different way. He was always the kind of player that organized things on the pitch and that looked at football in a different way. I think that he is the perfect coach for Barcelona. His intelligence combined with the level at which he immerses himself in each game have contributed to our success thus far.

And what is he like before a game? How does he work with you? What kind of training methods does he have?
I think that sometimes you have to keep some of the training methods secret. Guardiola is a very thorough coach who spends a lot of time studying matches and our opponents. The truth is, he is training us in the right way and we are on the right path.

There is such a big points gap now between you and second place that sometimes, as a team, you can be your own worst enemy. We saw in the game against Osasuna that if you relax anybody can catch you…
It is true that in football, on any given day, any team can beat you. It is for this reason that it is crucial to always play with a high level of intensity, irrespective of the team that you are playing against. As the coach has made clear in his interviews, we do not look at it as first against last. Osasuna was a difficult game at a ground where Barcelona have not won may games. It is the kind of ground where it feels as if the crowd is on top of you. The reason we came through it was that we kept our cool and did not panic when things got tough. We knew what we had to do. We kept our shape and managed to turn things around. We proved on that occasion that this Barcelona is still a great team even when times are tough.

Can Barcelona win everything this season?
I think that when you are still in with a shout in all competitions then it has to be a possibility. What is not positive is to drive yourself crazy obsessing about winning everything. If you do that you could end up not winning anything. We must stay concentrated and focus on each rival as they come. You have to change your mindset for each competition. When the end of the season is close, we will be able to focus on our final objectives, but for the moment we must keep our feet on the ground, stay humble and appreciate the fact that, if we continue to work like this, we are on the right path.

read the full and original interview here


Read more:
Alves: "I have more energy every day"
Vilanova: "Pep and I are ready for the bad times"
Dani Alves about emotional return to Sevilla

Alves: "I only get tired when I play with my kids"

Barcelona player Dani Alves gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





Guardiola said that the team only travelled to Sevilla on the day of the match to put less pressure on Keita and yourself, who returned to their former club. That was a good decision?
The truth is that you don't have to try special things in those kind of games. It was just another games and you don't need to get obsessed.

You would still have been welcome if you would have left Sevilla for Real Madrid, like Sergio Ramos and Julio Baptista?
I don't know why it is but in Sevilla they hate Madrid more. If I would have to leave, I knew that Sevilla would let me go to Barcelona.

How close were you to leaving Sevilla in the summer of 2007?
I wanted to go to Chelsea but when Antonio Puerta died, I didn't say anything more about a transfer out of respect for him. I closed the chapter because it was what God wanted. They said I went on a strike, but that's not true. I had some muscle problems and everybody knew about it. I still have a text message that proves it. In the world of football, there are a lot of lies but in the end the truth will always come out.

How do you think Keita is adapting?
He needs some more time than I, because he's playing in a different position than he was before but I'm sure he will get through it because he's incredibly talented.

Your connecton with Leo Messi on the right wing has made things easier for you?
Sometimes Leo gives us the time we need. He keeps the ball when it's needed and he gives us the chance to breathe during the games.

How did you deal with Ronaldinho the years before?
When I played with Sevilla against Barça or Real Madrid, I didn't worry too much about defending, only about attacking. If they wanted to catch me, they had to run a lot. I always say that the attack is the best defense.

You ever get tired during or after a game?
Never. I only get tired when I'm at home, playing with my children. When they sit on my back and those kind of things.

What has Guardiola brought to the team so that Barça leads the Liga in such a clear way?
It's a very intelligent person. The coach is still one of us. He thinks like a plyaer. He's half player, half coach.

Which player of the squad has the biggest winning spirit?
There are a lot but Carles Puyol is always very motivated. He fights for all of us. It's important to be able to count on players like that who get you in the game.


This was the second and last part of this interview. You can read the first part here:
Alves: "I want to bring Barça back to the top"

Read more interviews with Barcelona players:
Marquez: "You won't find a substitute for Eto'o"
Xavi: "I owe everything to my teammates"
Iniesta: "Victor Valdes is great at one on one's"

Alves: "I want to bring Barça back to the top"

Barcelona player Dani Alves gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.





You know Juande Ramos very well. Were you surprised to see how Madrid played very defensively on Saturday?
The truth is that it indeed was a surprise for everyone. I know Juande and normally he plays in a more attacking way. He starts from a solid defensive organization but with the intention to attack. Now there were moments were Madrid had eleven players in their penalty area.

You were also surprised to see how hard they defended Messi?
I would like to think that they didn't intend to hurt Leo but that they just wanted to stop the quality player he is. If you just want to hurt someone, that has nothing to do with football. I was also worried because Leo could get angry with all those faults and lose his head. I was close when Gago and Sneijder made a fault and although the ball was close, tackles like those are disgusting. They were trying to intimidate him but the referee should keep an eye on that.

With Real Madrid twelve points away, do you eliminate them from the title race?
Madrid is no longer the reference although that shirt means a lot and they will always be around because they have quality players. Now we have to worry about Sevilla, Valencia and Villareal and don't let those teams come closer. But if we continue to work like we should, nothing will happen.

You think that Juande will be able to make Real Madrid react? Will his methods work in a dressingroom full of star players?
Juande knows how to motivate players and how to keep everyone happy. If their wingers will return, they will sure start using the wings a lot.

Why did you say 'no' to an offer by Real Madrid?
I came close to joining Madrid but one has to have clear what one wants. When Barça showed interest, I didn't want to hear anything about other clubs anymore. Where would I be able to enjoy football more?

You weren't afraid for the existing dynamics in the Camp Nou over the last two years?
My life has always been about challenges and Barça didn't won a trophy in two years. I'm an ambitious person and it's not to same thing to arrive at a team that has won the Liga and the Champions League than arriving at a team that is really hungry. I wasn't worried about that. You need challenges in your life. and I wanted to help bringing Barça back to the top.

Xavi said recently that this Barça could win three trophies this season. You agree with that?
I always ask for one or more. And I'm sticking with one because I'm a humble guy. And to win them all, you should start with one. The treble? Why not? We have a team that is strong enough to win all the competitions we take part in.

If you could chose, would you prefer the Liga or the Champions League?
The Liga because it's the prize for a whole season. In the Champions League things like luck have an influence. That doesn't happen in the Liga.


This was the first part of this interview. You will be able to read the second part tomorrow.

Read more interviews with Barcelona players:
Eto'o: "I'm still at only 80 per cent"
Txiki (3): "Rijkaard deserved to finish the season"
Iniesta: "Victor Valdes is great at one on one's"

Alves: "If I score, I won't celebrate"

Barcelona player Dani Alves talked at a press conference on Thursday.





How would you describe your feelings after a few months in Barcelona?
I'm very happy. Every day that goes by, I'm more convinced that I took the right decision, because I'm sharing the dressingroom with some of the best players in Europe and the world. It's an honour to live this moment and I hope that it lasts as long as possible.

What do you want to say about your stay at Sevilla?
I want to thank Sevilla for everything the club gave me. I'm sure they will always have a place in my heart.

You think everything you're living is a dream?
The truth is that I will get angry if someone wakes me up. Everything that I'm living is very special and full passion. If this is a dream, I want them to never wake me up. Having the privilege to partcipate and contribute is a very positive thing for me, especially because the more I play, the better I feel.

What's the secret of the success of the team?
Hard work is the base of everything we're living and have been reaching until now. I think that things come your way if you work properly and if everyone is involved. Modesty is the main key to success.

How do you think the Sevilla fans will welcome you?
It's difficult to explain what I expect. I've almost spent my whole professional career there and it's a strange thing that I will now have to play against those who have been my teammates. An undescribable feeling.

This can affect you in a way?
I need to do my job and separate that from my feelings.

Where's the danger in the Sevilla team?
Luis Fabiano and Kanouté are two players who can shoot at goal at every moment, but let me tell you one thing: like we are worried about the strength of Sevilla, I'm sure that they are also worried about the strength of Barcelona.

How about you're personal performances?
I'm in a good moment, I think. Since I arrived in Barcelona, I'm enjoying myself a lot.

You know that Iker Casillas has said that they will win 0-1 in the Camp Nou?
I guess the freedom of expression gives everyone the chance to talk, but after that they still need to perform on the pitch.

What if you score against Sevilla?
I won't celebrate, out of respect for my former club.

Dani Alves about emotional return to Sevilla

A few days before the Sevilla versus FC Barcelona game, Dani Alves is looking forward to returning to his old club. Speaking to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat he looked back on the first four months of the dream he is living at Barça.





At the end of last season, the Brazilian made the decision to leave Sevilla and he doesn’t regret that move: "I am very happy and every day I feel more convinced that I made the right decision because I am sharing a dressing room with some of the best players in the world. It is an honour and I hope it lasts for as long as possible."

The image of Dani Alves leaving Sevilla was a touching one. With tears in his eyes, he said farewell to a six-year adventure, saying: "I want to say thank you for everything this club gave to me, I am sure it will always have a place in my heart."

But despite the tears on his final day, Dani Alves had a smile on his face when he touched down in Barcelona. It was a new home for him, and a new club. "It has all happened so fast, even our adaptation, because it can be hard to adapt to a new city." Alves says that one of the most important things was for him and his family to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. He got his wish, and "if the family are well, everything else comes with it."

In his first interview, Dani Alves said that it had been a dream come true to sign for Barça, and four months down the line he still feels the same way. "The truth is that if anybody wakes me up, I’ll get angry, because it’s very special and passionate to experience what I am experiencing here in Barcelona."

Not only is he thoroughly enjoying himself, but he is also lucky enough to be one of the players that most features in Guardiola’s first team plans: "It is a privilege to always get to play and contribute, especially because the more I play, the better I feel."

After three months of hard work, Alves could only find good words when asked what he thinks about the team: "Work is the basis for everything we have been seeing and achieving until now. I think that when a job is done well and everybody shows interest, things sort themselves out." He also highlighted ‘humility’ and ‘companionship’ as important factors, as well as "lively football and the commitment of all of the members of the squad".

When he signed for Barça he knew that the day would come when he would have to revisit his former club, but this time wearing a different shirt. It is going to be an emotional day for the Brazilian: "It is very special, because of what I’ve lived and learned there. I lived there for almost all of my professional career, and having to face my old colleagues is something different. But you have to work isolated yourself from your emotions. I hope I have a good game and that we get the three points."

He knows the opposition well, and is aware of their dangers. To beat the Andalusians, Alves reckons Barça should stick to what they know. "We have our characteristics and our way of playing and I don’t think we should change anything. just as we are worried about how strong Sevilla are, I am sure that they will be worried about how strong Barcelona are."

Read the full report here


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Barcelona player Daniel Alves gave an interview to the official FIFA website.





Dani, let's look back at the early part of your career. You were only 19 when you left Bahia for Sevilla. How did the move come about?
I was a little fortunate because I was playing for Bahia when I was called up for the South American U-20 championship, a tournament that always attracts the leading scouts. I played well and that's where the Sevilla people first spoke to me and said they were interested in signing me. Before the winter transfer window closed the club reached an agreement with Bahia.

Did you ever imagine Sevilla would go on to win the UEFA Cup twice?
No, I never thought that. When I arrived we were a fairly modest team whose main objective was to stay in the first division. We got stronger, though, and fortunately I was able to grow along with the team.

What were the main factors in the team's emergence?
Signings played a fundamental part but to my mind the most important thing was that we had a real team spirit. We were motivated and determined to change Sevilla's image in the Spanish game.

Out of all those signings, which one surprised you the most?
Frederic Kanoute was one of them. I had never seen him play for Tottenham and I was amazed that such a tall player could be so skilful and mobile. He was the focal point of the team, and when Luis Fabiano arrived they formed a strike partnership that commanded a lot of respect from other teams.

When you played at the FIFA U-20 World Cup UAE 2003 you were still adapting at Sevilla, weren't you?
It was during that tournament that Sevilla decided they wanted me for good. Bahia had agreed to loan me out for a season after the South American championship, but I played really well in the UAE. That's when Sevilla decided to make the move a permanent one.

After that it was another three years before you were named in the full national team. Would things have been different if you had been playing in Brazil?
Maybe I would have had more opportunities. I hadn't spent much time in Brazil so there were some people who didn't know my game, and the national team is so important in Brazil that it's not easy for players who aren't well known to get called up.

For 12 whole years, between 1994 and 2006, the right-back slot was occupied by one man, Cafu. Why do you think that no one came through in all that time to challenge for his place?
It's hard to explain a phenomenon like Cafu. He's a fantastic player and a true professional, a role model for others to follow. Like Roberto Carlos on the left flank, he defined an era in the Brazil team. As their successors in the national team we need follow the example players like them set.

Which of your fellow full-backs do you most admire?
There are a few who are in excellent form at the moment, like Maicon at Inter, or Belletti, although he's playing in midfield for Chelsea rather than right-back.

Is it fair to say you have more defensive responsibilities for Brazil than you did with Sevilla, for example?
Each situation, at Sevilla, Barcelona and Brazil, is different. We always have to be prepared for little changes and adapt to situations so that we can be as much use as possible for each coach we play under. They all have different styles.

And now that you have spent a few months at Barcelona, how would you describe Pep Guardiola's style?
Right from the start he has shown a tremendous determination to be recognised as a winner on the bench too, and that has really motivated us. I've got no doubt he'll achieve his aim. Pep has a truly unique way of looking at football and I'm sure he'll create an important legacy in world football.

You played several times against the great Barcelona side of Frank Rijkaard and Ronaldinho. Do you think the current team has the potential to be as successful and entertaining as that one?
Every coach and every player tries to create their own legacy and I don't think there's any need to make comparisons. That team earned their place in history by winning titles and playing good football, and that's what we have to go and do, play good football. If we can get the results to go with that, then we will build our legacy.

The UEFA Champions League is a trophy that Barcelona fans are always anxious to win. Would you say you were among the favourites for this year's competition?
Barcelona's such a big club that we're always among the favourites. This is one of the most difficult competitions there is, though. It's going to be a real challenge but I think we are ready to take it on.

Read the full interview here


Read more:
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Alves: "I'm grateful for the effort the club made"
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