CATALUNYA -- Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has brutally sacked Dani Alves despite the veteran defender hoping to stay at the club for at least the first half of next season to keep the dream of playing at the World Cup with Brazil alive.

Alves returned to the club after five-and-a-half absences on terms that were reduced earlier this year to help out his old team-mate Xavi, who replaced Ronald Koeman in the Nou Camp hot seat. The 39-year-old became an integral member of the Barca squad in the second half of the season, making 17 appearances.

However, Alves' second stint at the club now appears to be over, although he was willing to leave after the World Cup. A new report from Sport claims Alves was informed of the decision while he was on holiday after featuring in Brazil's latest international.

The report outlines that Barcelona's financial situation and their hopes of reaching a deal for Chelsea supporter Cesar Azpilicueta have contributed to the decision.

It was also claimed that Alves was

waiting for one last conversation to discuss his chances of staying at the club with Xavi and was even willing to agree a clause that would allow Barcelona to snag his contract in January after a major tournament in Qatar.

But the decision has now been made, meaning Alves will have to find a new club to remain in contention for a place at the World Cup. The former Juventus star confirmed the news with a lengthy post on social media.

"Now is the time for our farewell. They are more than eight years dedicated to the club, to those colors and to that house, a story written for some time in a different place - and that's how it is," wrote Alves on Instagram, quoted from the Mirror, Thursday (16/6/2022).

"They tried to say goodbye but they couldn't, because you can't imagine, or yes, how tough I was. Years passed to football and life to be grateful for. Kudos to those who gave me the opportunity to come back here to say goodbye,"

"But it wouldn't be goodbye without first thanking everyone behind the scenes, everyone who did it perfectly, to all of them; THANK YOU,"

"I also want to thank all the staff for the opportunity they gave me, to come back to this club and be able to wear that beautiful shirt again, they don't know how happy I am. I hope they don't miss my madness and happiness every day, "

"Hope those who stay can change the story of this beautiful club, I wish it from my heart. There have been 23 titles won: 2 Trebles, 1 Sextete and a great golden book was written! A very good cycle has ended and another challenge is open. Let the world never forget: the 39 year old lion continues to be a GOOD CRAZY LION."

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