'One thing that doesn't change is the desire to fight', says Alves

Dani Alves said he has returned to Barcelona to fight for his place, not "put his feet up", after the 38-year-old was presented to almost 10,000 fans at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

A grinning Alves bowed, waved and kissed the badge in front of adoring Barca supporters chanting his name, before signing a contract on the pitch alongside club president Joan Laporta.

In a press conference shortly afterwards, Laporta even kept open the possibility of more former stars returning, in response to a question about the futures of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta.

Alves is back five years after leaving Barcelona, having won six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues with the club. He played in the same team as Xavi Hernandez, who has made his own sensational comeback as coach.

"One thing that doesn't change is the desire to fight," said Alves. "I have a little less hair but that desire remains the same.

"I know what this club is. I'm not here to put my feet up or enjoy life in Barcelona, I'm here to fight for my place and to play."

Alves has signed on a free transfer and will reportedly accept the lowest salary in Barcelona's first-team squad. He will be available to play in January, with his contract initially running only until June.

"I was doing everything I could with the president, insisting that I wanted to come back and that I could help," Alves said. "In the end I received a call from Xavi saying that he would count on me if I wanted to come. The rest was very easy."