Dani Alves confirms Barcelona departure with emotional letter to fans

The 39-year-old

wanted to stay at Barcelona for another season but the club told him on Wednesday that they will not present him with a new contract therefore Alves confirmed on Instagram that he is leaving

for the second time with an emotional letter.

“Dear cules... Now it’s time to say goodbye. It was 8+ years dedicated to this club, to those colors... but like everything in life, the years go by, the paths deviate and the stories are written for some time in different places - and so it was,”

he wrote.

“They tried to send me away but they couldn’t do it, for you cannot imagine, or can you, how resilient I am. Many 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 so I can say goodbye. But not a goodbye without first thanking everyone behind the spotlight, everyone who makes our thing perfect, to 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 be able to wear again that wonderful shirt, you don’t know how happy I am…. I hope you don’t miss my madness and my daily happiness.

“I hope also those who stay change the history of that beautiful club, I wish it from the bottom of my heart. There were 23 titles achieved: 2 triplets, 1 sixteen, and a big golden book was written! A very beautiful cycle closes and a more challenging cycle opens. May the world never forget: A LION EVEN AT 39 YEARS OLD IS STILL A GOOD CRAZY LEONNNN. Forever LONG LIVE BARÇA!”

Alves returned to Barcelona in January on a free transfer after having been away from the club for the previous six seasons. Alves played nine seasons for Barca and won

six times and the Champions League trophy three times.

He played in 14 games for Barcelona last season and scored 1 goal and provided 3 assists for the club.

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