Alves joins Barcelona, bids tearful farewell to Sevilla

Source: Agencies  |   2008-7-2  |     ONLINE EDITION

Former Sevilla's soccer player Daniel Alves of Brazil gives thumbs-up in front of the Barcelona office before his official presentation at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona yesterday. Sevilla said goodbye to Brazil full back Alves on Tuesday ahead of the 25-year-old completing his transfer to Primera Liga rivals Barcelona. More in photo gallery

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DANIEL Alves arrived at new club FC Barcelona yesterday after bidding a tearful farewell to Sevilla.

"I am what I am thanks to Sevilla," the tearful Brazil fullback told reporters. "I arrived a child and am leaving a man. What I have lived here will be impossible to live anywhere else."

The 25-year-old Alves joined Barcelona after a reported US$46.4 million transfer -- making him the world's most expensive right back. Alves underwent a routine medical check at the Camp Nou stadium on Tuesday.

"This is an important challenge in my life," Alves said.

Alves was a key player in Sevilla's most successful run in its history, helping the Andalusian side win consecutive UEFA Cup titles, the European Supercup, the Spanish Supercup and Copa del Rey in a 15-month spell.

Alves joined Sevilla from Brazilian club Bahia in 2002 and already was eyeing a return.

"I'd like to one day return to the Sanchez Pizjuan, a place I will never forget," said Alves, who paid extra thanks to Joaquin Caparros, his coach up until 2005.

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido said the doors would always remain open for Alves.

"He helped us to be the best team in the world for more than a year," Del Nido said.