Dani Alves confirms Barcelona departure

The 39-year-old re-joined the Catalan giants in November last year on a short-term deal - five years after leaving the club for Juventus - but he was ineligible to play until January.

The veteran right-back eventually made 16 appearances across all competitions for Xavi's side in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign.

Alves was allegedly hoping to remain at Barca for at least another year, but he will now be leaving the club for a second time and will become a free agent this summer.

The Brazilian wrote on Instagram: "Now the time of our goodbye has arrived. It has been more than eight years dedicated to this club, these colours and this home... but like everything in life, the years go by, the paths deviate and the stories are written somewhere else at another time.

"I am very grateful to those who decided to give me the opportunity to come back here to be able to say goodbye, but it would not be a goodbye without first thanking everyone behind the spotlight, all of those that ensure that everything is perfect for us, 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 to be able to wear that wonderful shirt again. You don't know how happy I am.

"A very beautiful cycle ends and another even more challenging one begins. Let the world never forget: EVEN IF A LION IS 39 YEARS OLD, IT CONTINUES TO BE A GOOD CRAZY LION. Forever, VISCA AL BARCA."

Prior to joining Barca for a second time, Alves spent eight years at Camp Nou where he won a total of 23 major trophies, including three Champions Leagues, six La Liga titles and four Copa del Reys.

Alves made a total of 408 appearances for Catalan giants - with only Lionel Messi having played more times for the club - scoring 22 goals and registering 104 assists, with his final goal scored in a 4-2 home win over Atletico Madrid in February.

The 125-cap Brazil international, who is hoping to represent the national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year, will now be looking for a new club, but it remains to be seen whether he will remain in Europe or return to his native South America.