For Juve’s Dani Alves, It’s “Strange” to Play Barcelona
By Laieke Abebe
For former Barcelona defender Dani Alves, it will feel different when he plays against his former club in the Champions League.
Dani Alves made Barcelona his home for many years. He was a fan favorite that won every championship that a Spanish footballer could win. Recently, Dani Alves was the starting right back in Barcelona’s Champions League victory in 2015. They won the title 3-1 over the best club in Italy, Juventus. From 2008-2016, Alves was an integral part of a really good Barca defense. His abilities to help the attack from the back kept him on the pitch all the time.
Last summer, Barcelona allowed the Brazilian defender to leave the club on a free transfer. He ended up signing with… Juventus. What a coincidence right? This season, Barca and Juve will meet in the Champions League quarterfinals in their first meeting since the 2015 Champions League final. Alves will be on the opposing team when they play Barca. It feels strange to him and he explained that to FIFA.com.
"“It’s different but it’s a challenge at the same time. It was strange to begin with, but I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, which is why I decided to make the move. I have to say that I didn’t feel as comfortable any more at Barça. Things changed at a club level, and as time went on, I always seemed to be the one in the firing line. ‘Dani’s the one who has to go,’ they’d say. I just got tired of it. I decided to head off in a new direction and find happiness somewhere else.”Dani Alves On Why He Moved To JuventusMore from Everything BarcaFC Barcelona tracking Belgian WonderkidFC Barcelona vs Betis Player RatingsBarça boss Xavi to get contract extensionFC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielderBarcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid"
Despite the great career that he had at Barca, Dani Alves began to feel uncomfortable with his surroundings. In addition to that, he felt that the club was beginning to change and he didn’t feel that he would be a part of Barca’s plans. However, he has found new life in Italy with the reigning Serie A champions. He went on to talk about how it will feel to face Barca in the Champions League.
"“It’s strange [to play them]. I’m sure they miss me. I think they appreciated me as a professional, a football player, and as someone who was good to have around the place, who made every game unique, with a new dance or new music or whatever. I brought a bit of joy to the dressing room. I’ve spoken to them and they’ve told me that that’s what they miss about me the most: how happy I am and the way I am. They say I’m unique.”Alves on Facing Barca"
Overall, it will feel strange for some of the current Barca players to play against their former teammate. Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets are players that have been teammates with Alves. After Alves left, Barca has struggled at the right back position with Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal playing minutes there. In conclusion, Barca will be in for a tough Champions League tie with Juventus and Dani Alves could play a part in the two legs.