The 25-year-old Brazilian is now set to complete his 29.5million euro move to Barca, bringing to an end a six-year association with the Andalusian club.

At a specially-held press conference he was visibly moved, speaking with tears in his eyes as he thanked everyone at the club for bringing him to Europe and helping him become one the continent's top players.

"I would like to thank the president for opening the doors of this club and giving me the opportunity to grow," he said.

"This has been a great stage, a winning one. I would love to come back to the Sanchez Pizjuan, a place I'll never forget. What I have is because of Sevilla.

"To everyone (at the club) I give my thanks for making my dream a reality and for allowing me to leave Sevilla in the way I always dreamed I would, I give my heartfelt thanks to a club which has left its mark on my heart."

As part of the team that won back-to-back UEFA Cup titles in 2006 and 2007 and a Copa del Rey title in 2007, Alves has played a key role in Sevilla's improvement in domestic and European competition over the past three seasons.

His departure has been seen by some as marking the beginning of the end of the club's success, but the Brazil international insists the club will continue to win following his move.

"Football goes on, clubs go on and Sevilla will continue to grow like it has done until now," he continued.

"They have sold important players and then gone on to win five trophies.

"I have no doubt that Sevilla will keep growing whether I'm here or not. Sevilla is more important than any name."

Club president Jose Maria Del Nido thanked Alves for his contribution to the history of Sevilla, and added that the player was leaving in order to emulate one of his heroes.

He said: "He's leaving as he deserves to, with his head held high, with the president beside him, having completed one of the most important cycles in the history of the club.

"Daniel dreamt of emulating Cafu and I'm convinced he will, because I know his spirit of sacrifice, the example he gives on the field, his team mentality and his love, and so I'm sure he will surpass him."

Alves will complete a medical in Barcelona on Tuesday afternoon before being presented to the press as a Barca player.