Alves unveiled as Barca player
Wednesday, 02 Jul 2008 17:05
Barcelona unveil new right-back Daniel Alves from Sevilla
Barcelona have held a press conference to unveil their new signing, right-back Daniel Alves, following his £23.1 million move from Sevilla.
The Brazilian international was thought to be a target for
Chelsea and
Liverpool after declaring his desire to leave the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium this summer.
But Alves has opted for the Catalan giants after the clubs agreed a fee published as €29 million (£23.1 million) plus add-ons of €6 million (£4.8 million).
At his first official media event as a Barca player, the 25-year-old said: "The club wants to be like it was two years ago and for me it is an honour that they have chosen me to help with that.
"It is a very special day for me to become part of his club and this exciting project."
On the subject of the hefty transfer fee, which reportedly proved to be a major stumbling block for Chelsea when they came close to signing Alves last summer, Barcelona president Joan Laporta claimed it was "the market price for the best full-back in the world".
And technical director Txiki Begiristain added: "We have the best player in his position because of his attacking nature, his ability and his performance levels.
"He also has a good character and is a team player. On the pitch he always accepts his responsibility."
Alves is the fourth addition to the Barca squad this summer, following the arrivals of Alves' former Sevilla team-mate Seydou Keita, Gerard Pique from
Manchester United and Villarreal defender Jose Martin Caceres.