Alves: I have come a long way

Newly signed FC Barcelona right back Daniel Alves wetted himself in nostalgia as he went down memory lane in an interview with Barca TV.

Barcelona presented their summer signing from fellow Spanish club Sevilla FC in midweek. Alves is a Brazilian international and is considered by many as the best in the right back position.

This is what he said in an interview with Barca Tv about his origins and his progress in football:

"It is very important to come to a club like this. It is a dream come true and a very special day for me," he explained.

"In Brazil, it is very hard to hope for something like this. A boy’s dream in Brazil, when he starts playing football, is to turn professional one day, and then to play for the national team. Then you want a European club to notice you and to make your life there.

"I was young when I arrived at Sevilla, 18 years, and I had experienced a lot of things, I grew as a footballer, as a person and now I have the chance to play in a big club like Barça.

"I come from a humble family, that had to work hard to get by. My father got me into football, he played to but was never able to enjoy being a professional. His dream was to have a football playing son. My brother couldn’t, but I had the fortune to enjoy that dream."

"In Brazil, boys have to make decisions quickly. I had to leave my parents because I had been given the chance to play for the youth side at an important club. I didn’t want to leave home so early, but I am glad I made that decision.

"Now God has given me the chance to come to a city where Brazilians are well received. Many Brazilians dream of playing at Barça or an important European club. I feel privileged."