Fenerbahçe tie excites Daniel Alves

In the latest uefa.com readers' Q&A with one of the biggest names in European football, Sevilla FC right-back Daniel Alves takes the hot seat. The 24-year-old Brazilian international looks forward to meeting Fenerbahçe SK in the UEFA Champions League while also disclosing fond memories of the Santiago Bernabéu.

I'm a supporter of Fenerbahçe. It will be a great match against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League. What do you think?
Cihan Erbek

Daniel Alves: It certainly won't be easy. Apart from the fact Fenerbahçe have a very good squad, with the likes of Alex and Roberto Carlos, they are also very tough opponents at home. Turkish fans are as passionate as Brazilian ones. Just by watching matches on TV, you can tell how special the atmosphere is at games in Turkey. It will be an interesting game between two sides trying to establish themselves in European football.

Which teams are favourites to win the UEFA Champions League?
Yahya, Gambia

Daniel Alves: The UEFA Champions League is a competition where tradition usually counts, so teams like AC Milan and Liverpool, for example, are always in contention. Having said that, no team makes it to the knockout stage by accident and European football nowadays is more competitive than ever. I wouldn't count any side out.

What superstitions do you have?
Pablo, Los Angeles

Daniel Alves: I am not very superstitious. I would rather pray than have lucky charms. Having said that, I do have some rituals. Before I go out on the pitch, I do three quick jumps. And I always step out with my right foot first.

What is the best stadium you have played at, and why?
Thomas, Harare

Daniel Alves: I'd say the Bernabéu. It's a beautiful stadium, full of history. And the facilities are really fantastic for the players. I have great memories of it, especially from the Spanish Super Cup match when Sevilla beat Real Madrid 5-2!

What is happening at Sevilla? After two fantastic seasons you look to be struggling?
Dometom

Daniel Alves: It's really difficult for a team to be on top form all the time, even when you are a big club – just look at Milan and Barcelona. Besides, we've had a lot of other factors affecting us, from the departure of our manager to the death of a team-mate. I still think we'll bounce back in the league.

Who are your favourite players in the Champions League so far?
Petros Thoma, London, UK

Daniel Alves: The usual suspects: Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Kaká ... But I'd also like to mention Alex at Fenerbahçe. He's an amazing player and would definitely be back in the Brazil team if he was playing for a bigger side in Europe.

How has Sevilla changed since Juande Ramos left?
Maria, Sevilla

Daniel Alves: Things haven't changed that much. We already had a very tight group. Manolo Jiménez has a different style. He's much more vocal and intense than Ramos. But his working methods are not that different.

You have had five good years at Sevilla. Can we expect to see you there again next season?
Pedro Gonzalez, Jaen

Daniel Alves: It's a bit complicated. Sevilla are at a delicate stage in the league and are playing in the knockout stage of the Champions League. Everybody needs to be really focused on the job. However, I don't plan to spend the rest of my life at the club, as much as it's been an honour to play for Sevilla.

You are the best right-back, and Roberto Carlos the best left-back, in the world. In the Champions League first knockout round, fans have a chance to see a Daniel Alves v Roberto Carlos battle for supremacy. What do you think of these two games?
Ali Bulgurcu, Istanbul

Daniel Alves: As I said, they are going to be exciting and hard-fought. I hope we can inflict some damage in the first leg in Istanbul so we can exploit our home advantage in the second leg. Roberto is a great guy and an inspiration for Brazilian footballers, but I sincerely hope he has two bad nights against us.

Who do you think is the best footballer in the world?
Chan

Daniel Alves: Kaká. I know a lot of people were talking about a surprise Lionel Messi win at the FIFA World Player of the Year, but it made sense to choose Kaká. To win a prize like that you have to have trophies in the cabinet. Kaká was instrumental for Milan in last season's Champions League and at the FIFA Club World Cup. He might get his hands on that trophy a couple more times the way he's performing.

How do you relax outside of football?
Paul Stade, Toronto, Canada

Daniel Alves: I basically spend time with my wife and kids, partly because I travel a lot but also as a way to wind down from football. Most of the time I stay at home, because it can be a bit difficult to walk around Seville. The fans are quite passionate and want to talk even when you are having a meal.

You have scored a considerable number of goals for club and country. What do you think is your best position?
Hummed Yousaf Baig

Daniel Alves: I have been played in several positions for Sevilla but my favourite is full-back. It gives you a different view of the game and that position feels natural for me.