Dani Alves penned a farewell to Juventus fans on Tuesday, saying money was not the reason for his departure ahead of a potential move to Manchester City.
Juventus chief executive Beppe Marotta confirmed last week that Alves would be released from his current contract, despite having one more year remaining on a two-year deal with the Italian champions.
That move followed sources confirming that Manchester City wanted to bring in Alves to be reunited with coach Pep Guardiola, for whom the Brazilian won three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice at Barcelona.
And Alves expressed his gratitude to the Juventus fans after securing a league and cup double in his one season in Turin.
He wrote on Instagram: “I would like to thank all the Juventus fans for the year I experienced, the teammates for welcoming me like the professionals that they are, for a club that wins and reaches finals.
“I think that my respect for this club and its supporters was my dedication, my passion and all the efforts to make this club a greater club every single day.
“I apologise to the Juventus fans if sometimes they thought I had done something to offend them. This was never my intention, I just have a very spontaneous approach to life that few understand… although it appears that I am not perfect, however, my heart is pure.
“Today ends our professional relationship and I will take with me all of those who with love and true heart make Juve a great club. As everyone knows, I always say what I think and feel…
“I feel that I should say thank you to Mr Marotta for the opportunity he gave me, he’s a great professional and someone who loves his job like few others…
“I don’t play football for money, I play football because I love the profession and those who are part of it. I leave it up to you to judge what I have done and worked for.
“I love football and money will never keep me in any place.”
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