Alves rules out switch to Chelsea

Alves is flattered by the link to Stamford Bridge (Getty Images)

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has ruled out a move to Chelsea but has admitted to being flattered with their reported interest in securing his services.

The Brazil international is under contract at the Camp Nou until 2012 and is likely to stay with the Catalan side until then at least.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have been linked with a move for the full-back for some time now and, although aware of the interest, he is not interested in a transfer at the moment.

He said: "My situation is that now I have a deal with Barcelona and I want to stay here, regardless of the possible renewal of contract.

"But everything is still uncertain. Chelsea? It is a great club and to be on their agenda is a privilege.

"To have the interest of Chelsea is a great satisfaction because they are one of the most important clubs in world football today.

"But right now I'm happy at Barcelona and I intend to fulfil my contract here."

Meanwhile, frontman Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Tuesday night's Champions League last-16 first-leg 1-1 draw at Stuttgart was a good result.

The Swedish star equalised in the second half after Cacau had headed the hosts into a shock lead. But with a crucial away goal under their belts, Barca have a firm advantage ahead of the second leg at Camp Nou.

Ibrahimovich said: "The team played badly in the first half. In the second half we were better. We controlled it, we created chances and, most importantly, we've scored a goal. For me 1-1 is a good result."

Team-mate Lionel Messi wants the side to get back to their best after lacking their usual fluidity saying: "Right now I don't know what the coach told us at half-time, but we knew that we had to change a lot to get the draw.

"I don't know what happened. It's true that recently we've not been playing the same football as before, we don't have the rhythm that we need to have. But now is the most important time and we must get this back."

Valencia forward Juan Manuel Mata believes the team will overturn the 1-0 deficit to Club Brugge in their last-32 Europa League second-leg clash on Thursday evening.

The Spaniards fell to their first defeat in 18 European matches in Belgium when Dorge Kouemaha's goal ended their proud record.

With the return clash at the Mestalla though, Mata is adamant they can turn it around, as long as they can keep things solid in defence.

Speaking to reporters, he said: "I'm convinced that we can recover and win the game, but we must not concede because a goal for them could prove costly. Our team is capable of scoring goals.

"Our fans really want us to get through and they will be there supporting us.

"We dominated much of the game in Belgium and their goal was a shock to the system. If we do things well, we can recover. We all have to give it everything from the first minute."

David Silva sits out through suspension after seeing red in the first leg but David Villa took his season's tally to 17 with two goals in Monday's 2-1 La Liga win over Getafe.