Outgoing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has claimed that Dani Alves is an "irreplaceable" member of the team.

The defender was sent off in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Real Betis in what was Guardiola's last league match in charge of the club.

Despite a lapse in discipline from the 28-year-old, Guardiola believes that he must remain at the Nou Camp.

"Alves exit rumours? It's not up to me anymore, but for me he is irreplaceable," he told reporters.

The Brazilian moved to Barca from Sevilla in 2008 for around £23m.

Written by
Jack Prescott