DANI ALVES has ensured he will avoid becoming homesick at the Olympics… by bringing a DRUM to Tokyo. The veteran defender, 38, was a shock inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming Games. But Alves hasn’t lost the eccentricity that made him a smash hit in Europe after being pictured arriving in Japan while holding […]
DANI ALVES has ensured he will avoid becoming homesick at the Olympics… by bringing a DRUM to Tokyo.
The veteran defender, 38, was a shock inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming Games.
But Alves hasn’t lost the eccentricity that made him a smash hit in Europe after being pictured arriving in Japan while holding his very own Timba.
The aluminium drum hails from the Brazilian state of Bahia, where Alves was born and raised.
And the former Barcelona right-back will be hoping the instrument brings him good luck as the Samba Boys go in search of Tokyo gold.
Brazil took the top prize in front of a home crowed at Rio 2016.
And all eyes will be on Alves to inspire consecutive victories after key man Neymar was left out of the 18-man squad.
Also included in the side are Arsenal’s Gabriel, Sevilla’s Diego Carlos and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.
Yet it will be Alves taking centre stage after spending the last two years shining at Sao Paulo.
The superstar’s glittering career has also seen him play for Sevilla, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
But Alves will be best remembered for eight incredible seasons at Barcelona, where he six LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues.
Alves revealed earlier this year he only left the Nou Camp after a major bust-up with club chiefs.
And the evergreen right-sider was even open to a return if he received an apology.
However, Alves could be set for a new adventure after the Olympics… in Egypt.
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Ambitious minnows Pharco FC have only just entered the country’s top flight.
But owner Shreen Helmy is confident he can lure Alves away from Sao Paulo, explaining: “I am working on bringing Dani Alves because we can benefit from his experience.
“I have met Alves and he told me he wanted to play with Sao Paulo since he was 8, but I think I can bring him to Egypt.”
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