DANI ALVES HAS revealed that he “pretty much had an agreement with Liverpool” in 2006 and that he still hopes to play in the Premier League.
The Brazilian full-back was a much sought-after talent following a productive stint at Sevilla, with Europe’s top clubs clamouring for his signature.
Liverpool were among those in the mix and came agonisingly close to pulling off a transfer coup, but were left empty-handed and, two years later, Alves joined Barcelona where he spent eight trophy-laden seasons.
“I pretty much had an agreement with Liverpool,” the bucaneering defender told FourFourTwo.
“But for whatever reason it didn’t happen at the last moment and I really don’t know why, as I wasn’t the one conducting the negotiations. I had other people representing me back then.
“Something similar happened later in my career with Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Of course, it all worked out happily for the Cules [Barcelona supporters] in the end, and also for me as I was able to write an amazing story at the Camp Nou instead.”
Alves was once again heavily linked with a move to England over the summer, with Manchester City looking to tie up a deal which would have reunited the 34-year-old with his former Barca boss Pep Guardiola.
French giants Paris Saint-Germain scuppered those plans, though, with a switch to Ligue 1 made once negotiating an exit from Juventus.
Having signed a two-year contract at Parc des Princes, the chances of Alves now gracing the English top-flight appear to be slim, but an iconic figure of the modern era is still open to the challenge.
He added: “I still have this ambition, yes. But I don’t know if it will happen now. I think there are plenty of things to do here first with PSG.”
Alves has helped PSG to set the early title pace in Ligue 1 this season, while a 5-0 mauling of Anderlecht in the Champions League on Tuesday has them already guaranteed of a place in the last-16 of Europe’s premier club competition.
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Should never have been put in that position. A complete mess and then hung out to dry. Shocking by the FAI. Stan, a true legend
@Kris Hetherington: He did a fine job. We were just crap.
He’s still in my all time best Ireland eleven regardless of his management career. …… Legend
Will take the same result on Friday.
Im the Gaffer!!!
Hopefully one day we can reconcile the Stephen Ireland debacle, he had some great games in his short time playing for us.
@China Photo Daily: getting that winner against san marino and the boys swinging off him in celebration and he wanting none of it. goes to show what he thought of the goal.
He was our “World class” appointment to replace the excellent Brian Kerr. Kerr was not offered a new contract due to a certain striker looking like kerr didnt want him for the next campaign.
@Trevor Beacom: Staunton refers to us having punched above our weight. Kerr had us playing well and getting better. Would have been interesting to see him (kerr) get an extension
Who’s that Trevor? Robbie?