Barca splashed out 29.5million euros to bring Alves to the Nou Camp this summer, but the former Sevilla defender claims he will prove to everyone that the Catalan club were right to invest so heavily in him.

"I don't have any problem with it," he told Spanish sports daily El Mundo Deportivo. "It's normal that people talk about it when they pay that much money but it won't affect me that they say that I'm an expensive signing.

"Someone is worth as much as he works and I am going to prove every day that Barca didn't make a mistake by signing me.

"That way, people will talk about what you do, not how much you cost. I am happy and mentally prepared to take advantage of this opportunity.

"My friends don't make jokes about that kind of thing because they know what I have suffered to get to this level.

"The price for them is the least important. They are happy because I am at Barca and when they watch the games I am sure they will wear the shirt."

The day he signed for Barca, Alves was visibly emotional to be ending his six-year stint at Sevilla - proof that he had more than forgiven them for preventing him from securing a move to Chelsea last summer.

At the time Alves lambasted Sevilla chiefs for turning their backs on a 36million euro offer but now the Brazil international admits they were right to put the brakes on a transfer.

"I already realised last year, when I thought about it in the cold light of day, that it wasn't the right time to leave Sevilla," added Alves. "I wanted to leave with my head held high and I was about to leave with my tail between my legs.

"Now I am very grateful because they let me go easily and they gave me the opportunity to play for Barca. What I am is thanks to Sevilla."

Alves is the most recent in a long list of Brazil stars to make the move to the Nou Camp and the 25-year-old is eager to follow in the footsteps of such illustrious names as Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.

However, the defender insists he will not have to change to fit in at the Catalan giants.

"They are footballers that are held up as examples in Brazil who have made their mark here," said Alves. "Let's hope that I can continue that trend.

"I don't think that (Barca's attacking style) will affect me, we are working to get the right equilibrium: attacking well and defending better.

"If we reach that equilibrium, Barca will be unstoppable.

"(Pep Guardiola) signed me from Sevilla for the form of work that I have and what I hope is that I can do the same as I have always done up to arriving here.

"I think that to change would be a mistake."

Barca fans will be hoping Alves' arrival, along with new coach Guardiola and a host of other signings, will herald a new era in Catalunya.

The Nou Camp faithful had to endure the sight of Real Madrid lifting the Primera Liga title for a second season running last year, while Barca's barren spell continued.

The Catalan giants have not won anything taking the league and Champions League double in 2006, but Alves is confident the tide is about to turn.

"I like challenges a lot and Barca have one: turn the situation around, and the bad results of the past two years," he added. "That has attracted me since the beginning.

"When you achieve such important things, unconsciously you relax and then what happened can happen.

"At the same time your rivals prepare themselves more.

"Football is very equal and if you are not at 100% it is difficult to maintain your level. You always have to work a bit more to keep yourself there.

"I like Guardiola's way of seeing football. He has an exceptional vision because he was a footballer, he brings all his experience.

"Those who have played have an advantage. I am sure he will triumph."