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Dani Alves has returned to Barcelona after ending his spell with Brazilian outfit Sao Paolo this summer. The defender arrived at Camp Nou with a lot of fanfare. Now it doesn't look like he'll be the only Blaugrana great to seal a sensational return to the club.
If there's anything we've learned about Barcelona in the last few days, it is that more club legends could land at the Camp Nou in the coming months. Barcelona are ushering in a new era of young talent. But they are open to the idea of letting some of their experienced figures groom the rising stars.
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As such, it wouldn't be a surprise to see more Barcelona legends following in the footsteps of Dani Alves by returning to the club in the near future. On that note, here's a look at five Blaugrana greats who could return to the Camp Nou, either on on-pitch or off-pitch roles:
#5 Pedro Rodriguez
Pedro Rodriguez is a popular figure among Barcelona fans, especially those who were around during the Pep Guardiola era. The attacker contributed significantly to the success of the club, and will be remembered for many years.
During his seven-year spell with the senior team, the Spaniard made 321 appearances for the club, recording 99 goals and 62 assists. He also won several trophies, including three Champions League, five La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies.
Despite being 34 now, Pedro has entered the season on a brilliant note, bagging four goals and two assists for Lazio in Serie A. Considering Barcelona's lack of attacking firepower right now, it won't be a bad idea to sign the Spaniard, and allow him to retire at the club.
#4 Victor Valdes
Former Barcelona shot-stopper Victor Valdes could be a useful addition to the coaching staff, working beside Xavi as goalkeeping coach. The Spaniard could use his vast experience and understanding of Barcelona's system to help Marc-Andre ter Stegen return to top form following a recent dip in form.
Valdes was a pivotal figure in Barcelona's golden era, producing spectacular performances from within the sticks. The Spaniard's status as a Blaugrana great is without a doubt. He made a whopping 536 appearances for the club during his 12-year stint, keeping an impressive 239 clean sheets across competitions.
#3 Carles Puyol
It is highly likely that Carles Puyol could be the next Barcelona legend to return to Camp Nou after Dani Alves. There have been several reports over the last couple of days claiming the same, and it looks like Puyol's return is closer than ever.
The Spaniard is expected to be appointed Barcelona's next technical director following the departure of Ramos Planes. Barcelona president Joan Laporta and recently appointed manager Xavi Hernandez are said to be working on Puyol's imminent appointment.
Carles Puyol is no stranger to the Blaugrana. The iconic centre-back was a huge force to reckon with during his playing days at the club. He represented the Blaugrana throughout his career, making a whopping 593 appearances across competitions.
#2 Andres Iniesta
Xavi's appointment as Barcelona manager brought Andres Iniesta back into the spotlight. It comes as no surprise, as the two legends attained greatness playing together in the Blaugrana midfield for several years.
After Xavi's arrival to manage the club, Iniesta has admitted he'd also like to make a sensational return to Camp Nou. He said in an interview with Spanish publication Sport that he wishes to return to Barcelona.
“I don’t know what will happen in the future, I would love in some moment of my life to return to Barcelona. I don’t know in what capacity. To return to Barca, to my home, to be able to continue helping in one way or another, but nobody knows the future,” the Spaniard added.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi's unceremonial departure from Barcelona this summer raised a lot of eyebrows. Many believe the Argentine deserved a better farewell, considering his status and everything he has given the club over the last two decades.
In his departure speech, the playmaker refused to rule out a reunion with the Blaugrana in the future. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also kept opened the door for the attacker to return to Camp Nou. He said in this regard:
"I do not rule it out," the Spaniard said as he addressed the potential return of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta during the presentation of Dani Alves earlier this week.
"It has happened with Dani. And I want to thank him because he has seen the situation of the club and wants to come to help. Messi and Iniesta are spectacula., I cannot predict the future, as they are still playing, but they have made the club great; we always keep them in mind, although now they have contracts with other clubs and you have to respect that, but in life you never know."
