Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has reportedly leaked a private conversation with Dani Alves, showing the Brazilian wanted to re-join the club in 2019.
The 38-year-old signed for Barcelona in November becoming Xavi's first signing after he replaced Ronald Koeman as manager.
Alves who previously played for Barcelona from 2008 to 2016, has been training with the squad and he will be able to make his return in January once the club are able to register him for selection.
The Brazilian reportedly told Alkass Sports Channels, as per AS Sport, that he would have never returned to the club under Bartomeu - who was replaced by Joan Laporta earlier this year.
However a text conversation, allegedly leaked by Bartomeu, has done the rounds on social media suggesting Alves had begged to return to the club in 2019.
The conversation, which was reportedly shared with journalists in Spain, reads as follows:
Alves: 'Mr president, how are you? I want to come back home and play the 2022 World Cup as a Barca player. Let's leave pride aside. We both need each other!'
Bartomeu replied: 'Hey Dani. No problem, but the technical staff has to agree. Did you speak to [Eric] Abidal? Big hug. Barto.'
Alves then commented: 'I can speak to him if you want!'
It shows the conversation to have taken place on May 18, 2019 - just 11 days after the Catalan giants were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals after a 4-0 loss to Liverpool.
The Brazilian full-back has responded to the leaked conversation with a cryptic tweet, which said: 'For those who actually do care about Barca, we would do whatever it takes.
'Life knows what everyone deserves. Sorry... thanks.'
It comes after Alves reportedly told Qatari broadcaster Alkass Sports: 'I had the feeling that I would return to Barça and, as much as some did not understand it, I have returned.
'We have to work to rebuild a great Barça and for that we need stability and solidarity.'
He added: 'I would not have accepted an offer from Bartomeu. I left when he was president and there was no point in working with him again.'
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