Brazil star Alves to leave Barcelona

Roving Brazilian right-back Dani Alves has told Barcelona he intends to leave the club after eight succesful seasons, the Spanish champions confirmed on Thursday.

“He has already told us he intends to leave the club,” Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez said.

“We don’t like the fact he’s going. His behaviour on and off the field here has been so exemplary and now he’s decided to go. The decision is his and we will respect that,” Fernandez told a press conference.

Catalan Sports daily Sport claimed on Thursday that Alves had already signed with Italian champions Juventus.

The 33-year-old international defender is under contract with Barcelona until June 2017 after signing an extension during 2015 at a period where Barcelona were banned from signing new players.

“At the time the contract extension was a logical decision as he’s had a great season,” said Fernandez.

Alves has won six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns with Barcelona.