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Emerson’s mum says Barcelona new-boy has always wanted to be like Dani Alves

Emerson Royal’s mother, Tania Ferreira, has been talking about the new Barcelona signing and says he always wanted to be like Dani Alves.

The 22-year-old has just completed his move to Barcelona from Real Betis and looks set to provide competition for Sergino Dest at right-back.

Emerson has spoken previously about how Alves was a source of inspiration as a youngster, and his mum says the defender used to talk about the Barcelona star when he was a child.

“When he [Emerson] was little, he used to tell me - ‘Mom, I want to be like Dani Alves and play for Barcelona’.