Alves seals 'dream' switch to Barça
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
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Brazil's Daniel Alves said that he had "achieved a huge personal goal" after he moved from Sevilla FC to FC Barcelona in a transfer that could yet be worth €35m.
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Dream move
Flanked by Barcelona president Joan Laporta and coach Josep Guardiola at his official unveiling, Alves said: "I'm keen to play as soon as possible to prove to everybody here that they have made the right decision in signing me. There are many, many players who would love to be in my position at the moment and I'm delighted to have realised this dream."
New project
The 25-year-old made a tearful farewell to Sevilla on Tuesday before heading north to sign a four-year deal at Camp Nou where he will join fellow newcomers Seydou Keita, Gerard Piqué and Martín Cáceres. "This is a wonderful prize for me," Alves said. "It's a jump from one big club to another. It's so satisfying to know that Barça were interested in me and I can now form part of the new project here. I've come to the best club in the world."
Potent pair
New Barcelona boss Guardiola added his opinion of Alves's arrival by recognising the talent now at his disposal down the flank. "Lionel Messi and Alves are excellent players in their positions and we know if we use them as a combination we will have the very best right side. Alves is a player who needs space to work and we hope to get the very best out of him." Barcelona begin their UEFA Champions League campaign in the third qualifying round after finishing third in Spain in 2007/08.