Dani Alves confirms Barca departure as he sends touching message to cules

"Dear cules. The time has come for our farewell. I have dedicated 8+ years to this club, to these colours and this home... but like everything in life, the years pass, the paths diverge and the stories are written, for some time, in different places - and that's how it has been," Dani Alves writes on his Instagram.

"They tried to get rid of me but they couldn't because you can't imagine, or can, how resistant and resilient I am.

"Many more years passed until football and life, which as always, are very grateful to those who respect them, decided to give me the opportunity to come back here to say goodbye.

"But it's not a goodbye without first thanking all those who are behind the scenes, all those who make our lives perfect, all of them; THANK YOU.

"I would also like to thank all the staff for the opportunity they gave me to return to this Club and to be able to wear that wonderful shirt again, you don't know how happy I am... I hope you don't miss my craziness and my daily happiness.

"I also hope that those who remain here will change the history of this beautiful club, I wish this from my heart.

"23 titles won: 2 trebles, 1 sextuple and a great golden book written!

"This is the end of a beautiful cycle and the start of another, even more challenging, one.

"May the world never forget: A LION EVEN IF HE IS 39 YEARS OLD IS STILL A GOOD CRAZY LEONNNN.

"VISCA AL BARCA forever!"