Barcelona's new right-back, Danny Alves, was presented today (Wednesday) at the Camp Nou in a festive ceremony in front of more than 10,000 spectators.
And no, you are not mistaken, this year is not 2008.
"Even in my best dreams I would not have imagined it. The feeling I have inside is inexplicable. I am much happier," said the 38-year-old Brazilian who returned for a second term at the club where he starred between 2008 and 2016.
"I did not care how, I wanted to be at Barça. Also free if necessary, whatever," said Alves, who will wear the shirt with the number 8, and will make his re-appearance only in January, because he was not a free agent at the time of the transfer window closes in August .
"I'm here again to pursue the dream. It's a great honor, a great pleasure to wear this shirt again. I have a chance to relive the most beautiful things with this club and from now on we will start rebuilding."
The defender added: "Barça is much more than a club and that's why I'm here. It's very special to be able to go into the locker room and see my friends, who keep fighting. They made me feel at home and I also like meeting young players.
"My goal is to bring joy and enthusiasm to everyone. In recent years this team has had to deal with negative things and that is our mission here. Xavi's mission, my mission. We need to get back and strengthen and change the club."
With President Laporta, Photo: Reuters
On Saturday in the 14th round of the Spanish league, Barcelona (without Danny Alves as mentioned) will host Espanyol in a derby that will be Xavi's debut game on the lines (22:00).