FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.07.2008 23:46

Alves: "All the players contributed so much"

Roger Bogunyà

Dani Alves explained that he felt the intensity with which FC Barcelona played against Fiorentina as the team stepped up a level to win 3-1 in the Stadio Artemio Franchi and enjoyed his 77 minute appearance.

The Brazilian full-back helped out in defence and going forward and was pleased with the way the game went throughout. "I am pleased with the win and the way that the team played," he explained. "All the players contributed so much and the game was played with a great intensity and knew what we had to do."

On his partnership with Lionel Messi the former Sevilla star regretted that he would going to the Olympic Games. "I feel it when Messi is not there, but we wish him the best of luck."

Below are what some of the other players had to say.

Piqué

"We played very well. In the first half we have been very strong at the back and in the second half we became slightly tired and the game opened up more. Overall things were good."

"The players have to stay out of things. From our point of view we think its unfair that Messi cannot play with us, but for them it is also important to have him. We have to accept the decision."

Messi

"I have always said I want to play for the national team and I want to thank the club for the way they have been with me."

"It was a difficult place to play and it was hot making it our most difficult game up until now, but we played well."

"The commitment that the team had is important if we are to achieve something. We are all working in the same way."

"Each coach has his own style and Guardiola does some things differently to Rijkaard."

"Guardiola tells is to stay together and to recover the ball quickly and play our game."

Xavi

"We are working to be ready to play n the first leg of the Champions League."

"We want Messi to be here and Argentina want him there. He is a decisive player and we cannot do anything. FIFA is that one that decides."