Dani Alves has revealed he is ‘privileged’ to have played for Sevilla, as he returns with Juventus in Tuesday night’s Champions League match.
The full-back played for the Andalucian club for six years and amassed just shy of 250 appearances following his move from Bahia in 2002.
“When I arrived here, Sevilla couldn’t afford much in terms of top wages,” explained Alves.
“I came here after I played – quite well I think – for the Brazilian national team.
“I was privileged to be part of this project, this team and this club, and was privileged to contribute what I could.
“As for Sevilla’s growth, it’s not something which surprises me much. Their manager [Jorge Sampaoli] is amazing, they have great players and a fantastic structure behind the scenes.
“All those things mean that you grow as a team and a club, so it’s no surprise.”
Alves joined Barcelona in 2008, leaving in tears as he would never play for Sevilla again, but now states he is totally focused on winning with his new side Juventus.
“I don’t think fear exists in football, what exists is respect,” he continued.
“Sevilla are in a great period of form, and we’re used to this level of competition, we’re used to playing teams in great form.
“That’s what makes a win against these kind of teams even more sweet, it motivates us.”
