Barcelona transfer, team news 2015: Dani Alves agrees to new two-year deal

Barcelona right back Dani Alves will not be leaving Camp Nuo despite early speculations and will stay with the club for at least two seasons after agreeing to a new deal which also has a third-year option.

Alves' original pact with Barcelona is supposed to end this month and he has been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Manchester United among other interested clubs" ESPN reported.

"I have followed my heart and the hearts of those who love me," the 32-year-old tweeted after agreeing to the new deal with Barca.

Alves had 45 appearances including 44 starts for the Blaugrana this season and has achieved two Trebles with the club in six years following their Champions League Final victory last Saturday.

"FC Barcelona has announced that Dani Alves has accepted its proposal for the renewal of his contract, which expires on June 30 of this year," a statement read on Barca's website according to ESPN.

The statement also read, "The new agreement binding both parties will be for a further two seasons, through to 30 June 2017, with the option of a third additional season."

Alves' teammates also shared their thoughts on the Brazilian agreeing to a new deal with Barcelona.

"I'm really happy Alves is staying. He is a great professional and a great person," Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba stated according to The Guardian.

"I didn't know what he would do, but I know he will continue to help us a lot," Alba added.

Meanwhile midfielder Ivan Rakitic tweeted, "I'm really happy! I couldn't imagine a changing room without you!!!"

Alves' stay in Barcelona after the season has been marred by reports of him leaving and the addition of former Sevilla midfielder Aleix Vidal made it worse.

But even before Alves' extension, Vidal already said that it will be nice competing with the long time Barcelona right back if he stays.

"I'll be delighted if Alves stays. He is one of the best if not the best right-back in the world. There will be a healthy competition between us and that can only be good for the team," Vidal said after joining Barcelona according to The Guardian.

News
Pope urges Church to find its voice in secular France
Pope urges Church to find its voice in secular France

France was previously known as the "first daughter" of the Catholic Church.

Church in Wales pauses plans to allow gay marriage
Church in Wales pauses plans to allow gay marriage

The Church in Wales has pulled back from plans to allow homosexual weddings to take place in churches.

Plans afoot for new pro-life group at the UN
Plans afoot for new pro-life group at the UN

Organisers specifically said they wanted to counter organised LGBT influence at the UN level.

Southwark bishops denounce 'Christian nationalism'
Southwark bishops denounce 'Christian nationalism'

There is considerable disagreement about what "Christian nationalism" actually is.