[Pat Murphy]

Alves: I Arrived A Boy And Leave A Man

Daniel Alves left Sevilla in tears after saying his goodbyes to the media on Tuesday before he flies north to finalise his transfer to Barcelona.

The Brazilian was emotional during the press conference and explained that he had become a man at the Andalucian club after joining as a youngster.

After enjoying five-and-a-half seasons with Sevilla, Alves made it clear that he wanted to move and when Barça offered €32m plus increntives, the wheels were set in motion.

"I want to thank the president for opening the doors of this club to me and giving me the chance to grow. I am what I am thanks to Sevilla. I joined as a boy and leave as a man, as the father of a family," Alves said, with tears rolling down his face.

"It is difficult to leave a home after five-and-a-half years and the truth is that it will be complicated.

"I just want to thank everyone for what they have given me and the club will always have a place in me heart. What I have been through here will be impossible to repeat anywhere else."

Alves was philosophical about the future of Sevilla as he stated that he believes the club will continue to go from strength-to-strength without him.

"I would like to return to the Sánchez Pizjuán one day, it is a place I will never forget. But as the president said, life goes on," he added.

"Football is always moving and clubs continues and Sevilla will keep on growing like it has been. They have sold players before and still won five trophies."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

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