Alves threatens to quit Barcelona

BARCELONA - Agence France-Presse

Barcelona's results and style of play have been criticised by many fans and media pundits since Pep Guardiola's spectacular four-year reign as coach ended in 2012. AP Photo

Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani Alves has threatened to quit the club if fans fail to appreciate his performance on the field.
 
Barcelona's results and style of play have been criticised by many fans and media pundits since Pep Guardiola's spectacular four-year reign as coach ended in 2012, leading to rumours over the future of players including Brazil international Alves and forward Cesc Fabregas.
 
"How can people forget that these players have been responsible for the greatest football? Well, I don't feel like it. That's why there are many doubts over my staying here," Alves said in an interview with Catalan radio RAC1.
 
"If people put up with me as I am, fine. Otherwise I will go somewhere else," said Alves, subject of exit rumours in recent seasons as his contract comes up in 2015.
 
"Whether you like it or not, I am part of the history of this club, of the most beautiful history," Alves said. "But I need energy, I need to be content and happy."  

Alves appeared to be unhappy with the criticism directed at Barcelona, who still have a chance of winning the league if they can beat Elche away this Sunday and then Atletico Madrid in the Camp Nou a week later, on the final match day of the season.
 
"We are human and things affect us and this kind of thing bothers us a lot. Just for what we have done in this club, people should appreciate the players much more than they do," Alves said.