Daniel Alves admits Barcelona president Joan Laporta was key to his return this season.

Such has been his impact, the Brazilian fullback is already set to extend his stay beyond his initial six month deal.

He revealed to ESPN: "How did that happen ? I did it in a slightly different way. I had a very strong connection with Joan (Laporta), the president.

"When he was elected, I told him: 'I think you need me and if you need me, I will come back'.

"He said to me, 'We'll see. I have to talk to the coach'.

"Talk to him then! I don't want to come back so you think I'm coming to retire, because I feel strong, I have goals and I need to be in a place like this, where I feel powerful to be able to do great things, like the ones I want to do.

"So I started being heavy with him, calling him once a month, texting him. I started annoying him: 'You need me and I need this'."