Barcelona fullback Daniel Alves admits he's come close to joining Real Madrid in the past.

Alves is now regarded as the best right-back in the world.

"I had many chances to sign for Real Madrid but in the end fate did not want that to happen and prepared something better for me," he told Soccer Is Life magazine.

"I am very happy here and that belongs in the past.

"I accepted [staying at Sevilla] because of Antonio's death. We lived an unforgettable moment for the pain and that always leaves its mark on you. It will forever remain in your memory."