Alves, who has made no secret of his desire to further his career away from Sevilla this summer, was named in a 24-man squad for the trip but was not part of the travelling party which left Spain for the Greek capital.

Del Nido hit out at the Brazilian international for his absence, saying: "Daniel Alves, in a total lack of respect to his team-mates and the club, has refused to travel with the club that pays him. The public will now know the professionalism of the aforementioned player."

However, Alves has responded by issuing a statement denying those claims.

"I want to make it clear that I have never refused to go on any trip, having decided, by common agreement between the club and me, that it was best not to go now with the team," he said.

"In fact, the coaching staff told me, before leaving on the trip, to train with the second team and I will fulfil these instructions as I do with all that they give me, therefore recovering in the best way from the slight injury which prevented me from playing in the league game."

The 24-year-old Alves missed the first leg of the Champions League tie with AEK, which Sevilla won 2-0, and was also absent from Saturday's 4-1 victory over Getafe on the opening day of the Primera Liga season.

Alves also revealed his displeasure that the current controversy surrounding him was detracting from something far more important - the health of stricken team-mate Antonio Puerta.

Puerta remains in a critical condition in a Seville hospital after collapsing on the pitch during the first half against Getafe.

"It is not the moment to talk about me, my contract or my exit, but for all to be united, respectfully, and give Antonio Puerta all our strength so that he can come through this delicate situation as soon as possible," Alves added.

"The only important person to do with Sevilla now is Antonio. Neither Mr Del Nido, nor me. All our care, attention and prayers must go to Antonio."