Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has brutally axed Dani Alves - even though the veteran right-back was hoping to stay at the club for at least the first half of next season to keep his World Cup dream alive.
Alves returned to the club after a five-and-a-half absence on reduced terms earlier this year to help his old teammate, Xavi, who had replaced Ronald Koeman in the Nou Camp hotseat. The 39-year-old became an integral member of the Barca squad in the second half of the season, racking up 17 appearances.
However, Alves' second stint at the club now appears to be over - even though he was willing to walk away after the World Cup. A new report from SPORT claims that Alves was informed of the decision while he was on holiday after featuring in Brazil's most recent international matches.
The report outlines that Barcelona's financial situation and their hopes of striking a deal for Chelsea stalwart Cesar Azpilicueta have contributed to the decision.
It's also claimed that Alves was 'waiting for one last conversation' to discuss his chances of staying at the club with Xavi and was even willing to agree to a clause that would enable Barcelona to rip his contract up in January after the showpiece tournament in Qatar. But the decision has now been made; meaning Alves will have to find a new club to stay in contention for a World Cup spot.
The former Juventus ace confirmed the news in a lengthy social media post on Wednesday. Writing on his Instagram, Alves said: "Now is the time for our farewell. They were eight+ years dedicated to the club, to those colours and that house... but like everything in life, the years pass, the roads deviate and the stories are written for some time in different places - and so it was.
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"They tried to say goodbye but they could not do it, because you cannot imagine, or yes, how resilient and resilient I am. Many years passed until football and life which, as always, are very grateful to those who respect them, decided to give me the opportunity to return here to say goodbye.
"But this wouldn't be a goodbye without first thanking all those behind the spotlights, all those who do that ours is perfect, to all of them; THANK YOU. I would also like to thank all the staff for the opportunity they gave me to return to this club and be able to dress that wonderful shirt again, they do not know how happy I am…. I hope they do not miss my madness and my happiness every day.
"Hopefully those who are staying can change the story of this beautiful club, I wish that from my heart. There were 23 titles achieved: 2 Trebles, 1 Sextete and a great gold book written! A very nice cycle has ended and another challenge opens. Let the world never forget: a lion that is 39 years old continues to be A GOOD CRAZY LION."
