Manchester United have lost a transfer battle to Juventus.
Dani Alves has officially made an exit from Barcelona. The Brazilian right-back, 31, has himself confirmed that his football career will now take him to the Italian Champions; despite the fact that he still has a year left on his deal.
Brazilian full-back Dani Alves has confirmed he will be joining Italian champions Juventus next season. #KickOff https://t.co/kvgWZEr1Jv
— KickOff Online (@KickOffMagazine) June 4, 2016
“I am always happy, but I am even happier now,” Dani Alves told Sportitalia. “I am very happy to join Juventus.
“I want to win in Europe and in Italy. I have won a lot of trophies with Barcelona, but the time has come to enjoy Italy and to try to bring Juventus back to the European top.”Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez said in a press conference, according to the club’s Twitter feed:
“Dani Alves has decided to leave. It’s a personal decision that we respect.”
“At right-back we have confidence in Aleix Vidal, he was signed for that reason. We also have Sergi Roberto.”
Dani Alves has been a first team regular since he was brought over from Sevilla in 2008. In 2014-15, he experienced the glory of a treble as the Camp Nou took home the domestic league, cup and Champions League trophies. Barca also won the La Liga title in the season that just ended.
And in a move that is highly unorthodox for a player transfer, Alves pledged a return to Barca someday.
“It is more of a see you later than a farewell with Barcelona,” he added. “Sooner or later I will return to Barcelona. I am still a fan of Barca.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye edition.
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