Dani Alves, Barcelona Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves completed something of a U-turn on Tuesday by signing a new contract with the Camp Nou side.

News of the Brazilian’s deal was confirmed by Barcelona's official website:

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The new agreement binding both parties will be for a further two seasons, through to 30 June 2017, with the option of a third additional season.

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Alves confirmed the emotion behind his decision on Instagram (translated by Barca Stuff): "Following my heart and that of those who love me." His original post can be seen below: 

The 32-year-old defender has been a vital figure since signing for Barcelona from Sevilla back in 2008, sampling five La Liga titles, three Champions League wins and three Copa del Rey victories.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Sid Lowe of the Guardian recently had high praise for Alves, who is a truly unique player:

There had been much speculation regarding Alves' future as he and Barcelona appeared at loggerheads over an extension to his contract. As noted by Marca, French champions Paris Saint-Germain were seen as big favourites to sign him, although Sean Gallagher of the MailOnline claimed Manchester United were also in the frame.

In the end, both will be disappointed by news that Alves has committed the twilight years of his career to the Blaugrana.

The Brazilian’s trailblazing surges up and down the right flank have been so important in the great sides of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique—twice playing a leading role in famous trebles. While the team’s play is all about intricate, incisive passing, the Brazilian’s effervescent, raw influence on the flank stretches teams laterally and allows those infield to flourish.

David Ramos/Getty Images

As his 10 assists in all competitions illustrate during the 2014-15 season, per WhoScored.com, Alves remains a major threat going forward.

He’s been remarkably consistent in Blagrauna colours, too. Indeed, as noted by WhoScored.com (h/t barcastuff), only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have a better return when it comes to assists in Spain’s top flight over the past six seasons:

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Only Messi (85) and Ronaldo (65) have more assists in the Liga in the last 6 seasons than Dani Alves (51) #fcblive [via @whoscored]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) May 22, 2015"

The Brazilian, who has been a model professional throughout his career in La Liga, will be desperate to write another golden chapter in the final embers of his distinguished Barcelona career.