FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.07.2008 12:30

Alves aiming for title and Champions League

Anna Segura

Daniel Alves endeared himself to all FC Barcelona fans when he was presented to the media at Camp Nou on Wednesday after speaking in Catalan and then stating that his aim was to help the club win the title and the Champions League.

The ambitious Brazilian's arrival came quickly after Seydou Keita and Martín Cáceres were introduced last week and he was all smiles after penning a four-year contract, that includes a buy-out clause of €90m. Alves arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday and underwent a medical before staying over night and then parading in the club's new home kit for the first time.

Speaking Catalan

His first words to the press saw Alves cause a surprise as he spoke in Catalan: “Estic molt content d’estar aquí,” (I am very pleased to be here) he said. Reverting back to Spanish, the former Sevilla full-back explained that he is ambitious and is keen to help Barcleona back to the top and believes that the club can go on and win both the domestic title and the Champions League.

Special day

"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," Alves explained. "It is a very special day for me to become part of his club and this exciting project.

Great hallmark

The new coach of the Blaugrana, Pep Guardiola, recognised that Alves would play on the right because "he is a player that needs space". The trainer continued: "We think that the best is yet to come and we believe that he will be a great player for the club. He has all the hallmarks that great players need to adapt to the coach's requirements."

Alves and Messi

Guardiola was then asked if both Alves and Lionel Messi could play together down the right flank and he was in no doubt that they can. "They are the best players down the right and if we play well then we will have the best right side there is," he added.
Best in his position

President Joan Laporta admitted that the player's enthusiasm and desire to join Barcelona helped convince the club that he was the right man. "The determination that he shown to join Barça proved he only wanted to join this club," he said.

Technical director, Txiki Begiristain agreed that "we have the best player in his position because of his attacking nature, his ability and his performance levels". He added: "He also has a good character and is a team player. On the pitch he always accepts his responsibility."