Dani Alves signs new deal at Barcelona

Alves, a Brazil international, joined Barca from Sevilla in 2008 and has played a key role in a golden period for the Catalan club, winning 19 trophies including three Champions Leagues, five La Liga titles and three King's Cups.

The 32-year-old has made 343 appearances, more than any other non-Spaniard, and is one of seven players who won a treble of Europe's elite club competition and the domestic league and Cup in both 2008-09 and again in 2014-15.

"FC Barcelona has announced that Dani Alves has accepted its proposal for the renewal of his contract, which expires on June 30 of this year," read a statement on the club's website.

"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."

One of the most popular members of the squad and a close friend of Argentina forward Lionel Messi, Alves will face stiff competition for his place at right back after Barca signed Aleix Vidal from Sevilla on Sunday.

Spain international Vidal will, however, be unable to play until January as Barca have been banned by FIFA from the transfer market until then over irregularities in the signing of foreign under-18 players.

Alves had at one point criticised Barca for their handling of negotiations but has now agreed to stay at Camp Nou until at least 2017.

This deal absolutely makes sense. Barcelona may have signed Aleix Vidal yesterday who can operate as a right-back but he can’t play until January when the club’s transfer embargo is lifted. Furthermore, Alves has just come off one of his most productive seasons in years and has a near telepathic understanding with Lionel Messi. In fact, why did it take so long to get this deal signed?