Dani Alves faces his former Barcelona teammates tonight in the Champions League quarter-final, and the ex-Catalan star has returned to the Camp Nou by brilliantly kissing the turf.
The right-back enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Barcelona from 2008 to 2015. Spending eight successful seasons, winning the lot.
We’re talking La Liga and Copa del Rey titles, not to mention the Champions League – Alves held aloft the ‘Big Ears’ a remarkable three times.
So, needless to say, his return is an emotional one. Check out the brilliant footage of Alves planting a kiss on the lush green pitch.
You can take Alves out of Barcelona but you can’t take Barcelona out of Alves.
Ahead of the reunion, he fielded questions at the pre-match presser recalling his time at Barcelona while speculating on the reception he’ll receive tonight.
“I always give 100 per cent with every club I play for. It was wonderful here but to come back to Barcelona I would have to set a lot of things straight and the egos of certain people, which are giant, would not allow it.“
Continuing by saying he had a mixed relationship with the Barca faithfuls; “Some people loved me in Barcelona and some didn’t.”
“The Catalans are special people, my lifestyle doesn’t really fit in with what they like or what they think it ought to be.”
“I don’t know what the reception will be tomorrow, but I am happy to be back at somewhere I considered my home, even as a rival.“
Meanwhile, Barcelona seek to overturn a 3-goal deficit from the first leg as they’ll need to complete another classic European comeback should they book their spot in the semi-finals.
“The Catalans are special people, my lifestyle doesn’t really fit in with what they like or what they think it ought to be.”
“I don’t know what the reception will be tomorrow, but I am happy to be back at somewhere I considered my home, even as a rival.“
Meanwhile, Barcelona seek to overturn a 3-goal deficit from the first leg as they’ll need to complete another classic European comeback should they book their spot in the semi-finals.
SportBible.com
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