Dani Alves: Barcelona full-back posts heartfelt farewell message to supporters on Instagram

The Brazilian has brought his eight-year-long association with the club to an end

Alves is expected to join Juventus, the Serie A champions (Getty)

Dani Alves said farewell to Barcelona’s fans on Thursday as he prepared to end his eight-year-long association with the club.

The 33-year-old full back posted a heartfelt goodbye to his Instagram page after his departure was confirmed by Robert Fernandez, the club’s sporting director.

Alves is expected to join Juventus, the Serie A champions, and negotiations between his representatives and the Turin club are believed to be progressing well.

The Brazil international’s replacement at the Nou Camp will be Aleix Vidal, who arrived as part of a €18million (£14million) fee last summer.

Vidal has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks, having struggled to force his way into Barcelona’s line-up this season.

Fernandez, however, claimed that Vidal was signed with Alves’ exit in mind.

"We have faith in Aleix Vidal,” he said. "He has international experience, he is coming from a great season at Sevilla and we also have the option of Sergi Roberto."

The sporting director also denied that Hector Bellerin, the Arsenal right-back, is currently a target for the La Liga champions.

"He is a magnificent player but at this moment we are not considering it," he said.

Alves’ goodbye message in full

One month from now would mark my eight-year anniversary at FC Barcelona. In July of 2008, I walked into this club for the first time to enter the dressing room that has been my home for the greatest accomplishments of my professional career. From the first day, from the first training session under Pep Guardiola until the last day of this past season I have had the good luck to enjoy football with passion.

I have dozens, no hundreds of images in my head of moments I have shared with all of you at Camp Nou, from the pitches of the biggest stadiums in the world and from the streets of Barcelona. There have been so many goal celebrations and so much happiness in the way of titles.

I am a privileged, hard-working and honoured football player, for whom life has allowed me to wear the shirt of the best club in the world in a prodigious decade marked by the quality of the players and coaches.

I could mention one by one all my extraordinary teammates with whom I have had the pleasure to tackle challenges and difficulties in many forms over this time, but I would prefer to thank them all together, because in the Barca dressing room, there is no space for individuals. We all win or we all lose. And we work together.

And those who steer the ship, the presidents, the 'misters,' the coaching staff, all those who work at the club, to all of them I say thanks because for all my hard work, I have always been rewarded with their trust and support.

With this letter, I am not saying goodbye. I just want to let you know that I have made the decision to find a new challenge in my career, because the stages, all of which are also wonderful and glorious, have unfolded to enjoy and finish when the moment is right. And that moment is this one. I am going, but I will be back, because I am not just another player. Thanks for making me feel so welcome.