Last updated on January 31st, 2022 at 10:18 am
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Following his departure from Sao Paulo in September due to a contractual dispute, the 38-year-old returned to the club on a free transfer last month.
Alves, who made 391 appearances for Barca during his first trophy-laden period at the Nou Camp, will not be formally enrolled with the Catalan giants until January.
However, the Brazil international is expected to play for Blaugrana in the Maradona Cup on Tuesday (December 14) against Argentine heavyweights Boca Juniors in Riyadh.
Alves remarked at a pre-match press conference on the eve of the friendly: “After not being able to play and represent the club for so long, I’m nervous.
“Because of how the scenario unfolded and the club’s current position, the most significant challenge of my career has arrived.
“Challenges, on the other hand, are for people who are not afraid of them. We’ll all give it our all for this club and this badge.”
In eight seasons at Barcelona, Alves won 23 trophies before leaving in 2016 for stints with Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Sao Paulo, where he spent two years.
The experienced full-back has returned to the club five years later, but it is still a long way from challenging for major accolades.
Barca were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage last week and are currently in eighth place in LaLiga after 16 games, but Alves is confident that he can help the Catalans return to the top.
“We’re used to seeing Barcelona at the top, but we’re aware that something is wrong,” he remarked. “We can’t run away from it; instead, we must find a solution as soon as possible.
“When I first arrived, I had to undergo a makeover.
The scenario is different, but it’s over, and we’ll start over with a fresh chapter to bring Barca back to where they belong.
“We need to reclaim our winning spirit because we live to win. The streak must be broken. There are good and bad streaks in football, however this one lasts a little longer.”
For the match against Boca, Barcelona has named a 28-man squad, which includes Alves, Gerard Pique, Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho, and other first-team players.
The game’s timing has been questioned, with league meetings against Elche and Sevilla coming up in the following eight days.
Despite the fact that the distance travelled was not ideal, Xavi believes it is vital to respect Maradona, who died of a heart attack in November at the age of 60.
He told reporters in Saudi Arabia, “These are club conditions and something that was previously agreed.” “It’s a privilege for us to be here representing Barcelona.”
“We’re honouring one of the greatest players in history.” It’s a privilege and an honour, and it’ll be an emotional moment.”
“It will be a test for the guys who don’t typically play and a chance to watch players who haven’t played so much,” Xavi said, hinting at changes from the team that started the 2-2 draw with Osasuna on Sunday. We want to be the greatest we can be.”
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