Barcelona full-back set to end eight-year association

Zach Holland

Barcelona have confirmed that Brazilian full-back Dani Alves will end his eight-year association with the club this summer.

Alves who signed for the Catalan club back in 2008 from Sevilla for a £23million fee has now been strongly linked with the likes of Juventus, PSG and Manchester United.

In his time at Barcelona won several honours including three Champions League victories and six La Liga titles to his name.

Barcelona though are confident in their depth of their squad and have replacements for the 33-year old.

Sporting director Robert Fernandez has confirmed the departure along with suggesting Javier Mascherano and Neymar are there to stay indefinitely.

“Dani Alves has decided to leave,” Fernandez told a press conference. “It’s a personal decision that we respect.

“At right-back we have confidence in Aleix Vidal, he was signed for that reason. We also have Sergi Roberto.”

Fernandez has also suggested how vital Javier Mascherano and Neymar are to the club and has insisted they won’t be leaving any time in near future.

“I don’t have the slightest doubt that Mascherano will stay here,” he told a press conference. “He is a vital player.”

“Neymar will continue,” said Fernandez. “He will be here for many years to come.”