Dani Alves says he’s open to Barcelona return

Daniel Brown

“If Barca think they need me, they just have to call me”

Dani Alves has stated that he’s open to returning to Barcelona and if his former team want him, all they need to do is give him a call.

The Brazil defender – who spent eight successful seasons in Spain, winning 25 major honours – left Sao Paulo last month after two years at the club.

Alves has claimed that he would return to the Catalan giants without hesitation, suggesting that he could help the club’s younger players to develop.

Barcelona are currently mid-table in La Liga following an underwhelming start to the campaign – but Alves believes that he could have a positive impact were he to make a remarkable comeback.

Dani Alves is a free agent at 38, but he’s still there if Barcelona want him back 📞 pic.twitter.com/VVwJYNWpFi

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 16, 2021

“It would sound very opportunistic to say that Barca need me now,” the veteran defender told Sport.

“I always said that I left because I saw things were not the way I thought they should be.

“You never want to see everything that [has] ended up happening since I left. I’ve said that when Barca need me and want me, I would be at their disposal regardless of where I am. The affection, love and respect I have for this club is too much.

“If Barca think they need me, they just have to call me. I still think I can contribute anywhere, but more at Barca because of the number of young players that they have now.”

The 38-year-old, whose Barca career came to an end in 2016, left Sao Paulo after spells with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

He also added another honour to his name with Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020.

Despite his age, he has reiterated that he has no plans to retire and intends to continue at the top level, adding: “I always look for a club that allows me to compete with the greats, fight for titles and be decisive wherever I am.

“I do not consider another scenario that is not this. It was for this reason that I chose Sevilla, Barcelona, and all the places where I went. I want to bring a winning, fighting and conscious mentality wherever I go.”

Ronald Koeman’s side face a difficult test on Sunday (16 October) when they host Valencia, who currently sit one position above Barcelona in the La Liga table.

Related links: