Dani Alves' 2014 Comments About Manchester City Might Come Back To Haunt Him

Dani Alves may be about to sign for Manchester City in the coming days, but the Brazilian full-back hasn't always been too complimentary about his potential future employers.

Three years ago, Alves was a visitor to the Etihad Stadium with Barcelona, as the two teams clashed in the last 16 of the Champions League.

And ahead of the game, the four time Champions League winner stirred the pot a little bit when he admitted he only found out about City's existence when they were taken over by Abu Dhabi United Group, in 2009.

Dani Alves James Milner

Alves could soon be wearing the blue of City, even though he was unaware of their existence a few years ago. Image: PA

Speaking in 2014, Alves said, "I didn't realise until about five years ago that Manchester had two teams.

"Of course Manchester United have been one of the most famous and successful clubs in Europe for many years - but I thought they were the only one.

"When Manchester City got new owners and started buying some of the best players in Europe everybody knew who they were - but until then I must be honest I didn't know about them.

"I think this is the reality of modern football. You don't need ten or 20 years to establish yourself - if you have rich owners you can do it in two or three years.

"It doesn't matter if I or anybody else agree with it - it is just the reality of today."

Dani Alves

Dani Alves

The Brazilian full-back has been a huge success, wherever he's played. Images: PA

While City's fans likely couldn't care less over comments that were made three years ago, it is pretty remarkable that Alves is potentially signing for a club that he didn't even realise existed until eight years ago.

A deal is yet to be announced by either City or Alves, but with the full-back close to being released from his contract, according to reports in Italy, it is believed the confirmation of his move to the Etihad is imminent.

City fans, would you be happy to see Alves lining up for you next season or would you prefer a younger option at full-back, such as Kyle Walker?

Have your say in the comments section below and on our Facebook page.

(H/T Give Me Sport)

Topics: Manchester City, Dani Alves, Football

Joe Baiamonte

Northerner. Assistant Editor of SPORTbible. Studied Journalism and Broadcasting in a portakabin on a car park of Salford University for three years. Believes football peaked with Serie A in the '90s and strong-arms pro wrestling references into as many articles as possible. Neymar once took 50 euros off me during a game of poker.

@JoeBaia