Experienced defender Dani Alves has insisted that he has returned to Barcelona "to fight".

The 38-year-old was recently confirmed as Xavi's first signing as head coach of the Catalan giants, and the right-back has already started training with the club.

Alves, who has penned a deal until the end of the season, will not be able to make his second debut for the club until January, and there have been suggestions that the Brazilian will not receive too much time on the field.

However, the defender has insisted that he has returned to the club to "fight for a place" and is confident that he will be able "to contribute" this season.

"I wasn't born to be second, I was always first. I'm here to fight, I'm not here to pass time or to live in Barcelona," Alves said during his presentation.

"I've come here to play and fight for a place [in the team]. It's not because I made history or because of my good relationship with Xavi.

"With my work I'm going to fight and try to contribute. Age is just a number. I just proved it at the Olympics. People will expect the best from me and I will respond as always."

Alves previously represented Barcelona between 2008 and 2016, making 391 appearances in all competitions.

Written by
Matt Law