Football NewsDani Alves admits he regrets passing up his chance to join Manchester City in 2017
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One of the best full-backs ever to play the game was preparing to cut ties with Juventus at that stage, after just one season in Turin, and had various options to consider as he plotted another move.

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Alves decided to go to France

Dani Alves has achieved a lot in a distinguished career at the very top of the game. Still, the legendary Brazilian defender admits he regrets passing up his chance to join Manchester City in 2017. One of the best full-backs ever to play the game was preparing to cut ties with Juventus at that stage, after just one season in Turin, and had various options to consider as he plotted another move. There was talk in England about reuniting with ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola. Still, Alves decided to go to France, as he linked up with fellow countryman Neymar for a memorable summer for those at Parc des Princes. Alves, the most decorated player of all time, has amassed six trophies in two enjoyable seasons with PSG but admits he would be in Manchester if he could turn the clock back.

The story that Dani lived at PSG was incredible

He told reporters: “I’m sorry I didn’t go to Manchester City in 2017 to work with Guardiola again.” Alves, who has now returned to his homeland with Sao Paulo, added: “When you are with people like Guardiola, who always finds a way out, it adds a lot to you. So my regret was not having gone to work with him again. But not for PSG, because the story that I lived at PSG was incredible.” Summer 2017 turned out to be tense for Guardiola at the Etihad stadium. After finishing his first season in English football empty-handed, the Catalan set about reinforcing his ranks with an elaborate spending spree. Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo were cut short, while Kyle Walker was also prised away from the Spurs in a £50 million deal.

He ended up filling the right-back berth that Alves could have taken as the Blues moved in a different direction with an England international who is now seeking to help them land their first Champions League crown.