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After playing in nearly 400 matches for Barcelona with the numbers two, six or 22 on his back, Dani Alves has elected to wear the number 23 at Juventus in honor of NBA star LeBron James.
LeBron just recently captured his third NBA championship, and his first since returning to play with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Alves is hoping to emulate LeBron’s ability to accept a challenge in a new environment and lead his team to glory.
The Brazilian defender completed his move to Juve from Barcelona on Monday and spoke at his introductory news conference regarding the new number.
“I’ve picked the number 23 shirt,” Alves said. “LeBron James is someone I admire for the way he constantly reinvents himself and never rests on his laurels, always aiming for new challenges and triumphs.”
“After leaving Miami, where he was enjoying a good career, he’s come back with a bang and reinvented himself. It’s a decision that brought about my choice to move to a new country, meet new teammates and experience another type of football.”
LeBron James influenced Alves's decision to leave Barcelona. Photo: @ComplexMag | Twitter
Alves captured six La Liga titles with Barcelona, four Copa del Reys and three UEFA Champions League crowns. Now, he’s aiming to help Juventus capture their first Champions League title since the 1995-96 season. While Juventus have dominated domestic competitions, supporters of the Old Lady are hungry for European success.
“The club’s dream is to win the Champions League, and I hope to help them achieve this. I can’t say exactly what Juventus require to win the Champions League,” said Alves. “That’s something I’ll begin to work out from now onwards. We need to believe we can win the Champions League if we are to do so. My teammates and I will give it our best shot.”
Alves also took the time to comment on the recent international retirement of his former teammate and close friend, Lionel Messi.
“I would ask Messi to think over the decision and return, because he’s very important for football, and for his club and teammates and for all the people who love and breathe football and cannot imagine missing him and losing such a great player,” Alves reportedly said.
The 2016-17 Serve A season will kick off on August 21, 2016. Juventus won the 2015-16 edition of the league, finishing nine points above their nearest challengers, Napoli.
(H/T: ESPNFC)
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