DANI ALVES has picked out a match against Middlesbrough as one of the defining games of his illustrious career.
The Brazilian icon has played in over 1,000 games for club and country... and a clash against Boro stands out as one of his top five.
Alves’ Sevilla side defeated Steve McClaren’s men 4-0 in the 2006 Uefa Cup final.
Chatting to FourFourTwo as part of their “Games That Changed My Life”; series – Alves said: “Winning a European trophy was a great achievement for the club and me personally.
“Sevilla had been waiting for a major title for about six decades, and this was the perfect reward for excellent work from a talented squad.
“The final wasn’t as easy as the result suggests – we hit three late goals.
“The opener came in the first half after I crossed for Luis Fabiano to head in.
“I had a chance to score in the second half, but their keeper (Mark Schwarzer) saved well.
“That day brings great memories. Our team had brilliant harmony and we deserved to be champions.”;
Sevilla took the lead on the day through Fabiano, before a late Enzo Maresca double and another from Frederic Kanoute put some gloss on the scoreline.
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Alves also named Barcelona’s 2011 Champions League final victory over Manchester United, his senior debut for Bahia, and a Confederations Cup outing with Brazil.
The 39-year-old has the opportunity to add more special occasions with his national team, after being named in their squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
Alves will have a third crack at World Cup glory, having been part of their teams in 2010 and 2014.
He is in there alongside the likes of Neymar, Casemiro and Richarlison – as well as surprise call-up Gabriel Martinelli.
