Barcelona defender Dani Alves has launched an attack against the Spanish media claiming that his comments on his social media account are blown out of proportion.

Alves feels that the comments he made about the derby with Espanyol have been taking out of context. The Brazilian has slammed the press saying that they are more interested in selling copies rather than providing useful content to the readers. Alves says that the modern press are more interested in headline creating rather than articles that focus on the sport. Aspects like tactic discussion have become much less in recent times according to Alves.

Even though Alves came out with such intense public criticism, the club has tried to distance themselves from his comments. Clashes between Espanyol and Barcelona have become highly intense in recent years. The two teams have already met each other twice in the space of seven days. The recent clash in the Copa del Rey last 16 match witnessed Espanyol receiving two red cards. The opposition have been criticised for their harsh style of play, but there was also a disappointment for Barcelona with star striker Luis Suarez receiving a two match suspension for his foulmouthed abuse of the opposition in the tunnel.

Alves continues to remain an important part of the club and such comments are unlikely to trouble his long term status. “Truly each day I feel more embarrassed to be a part of this sport, the way we are used and the way they play with us. We are objects used by the press for their benefit, so they sell newspapers. Less and less they talk about football, strategy, play, the runs to score goals, the saves and the spectacle,” said Alves. “Dani Alves published on Instagram a very critical message where he used offensive language,” said an official statement from the club.