ALEX Rodrigo Dias da Costa

Shirt number 33

Alex was unveiled today at Chelsea and got shirt number 33.

'I think the style of play is similar but the quality in this country is higher than in Holland. I hope to adapt as quick as possible because I know here there are so many good players and the pressure is much higher than it used to be in Holland.'
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'I would love to have joined Chelsea three years ago but it wasn't possible so I'm really happy to be here now.

'As I said before there was a problem because of the work permit, but it was good for me because I got 3 years experience with PSV, but finally I'm here at Chelsea and I'm happy to be here and hopefully I'll help the team to win many trophies.

'The important thing is for me to be here, work hard and be prepared for the manager to select me for the team. I'm very happy to be here and hopefully I'll be part of the team and help them do well in every competition.'

Source: Official Chelsea website

Chelsea and Brazilian players

One thing is sure, there aren't many players from Brazil who've played for Chelsea FC in the past.

But the question is: is Alex the first one ever?

Feel free to use the 'post comment' button!

*ALEX TO CHELSEA FC*

Friday's new arrival Alex believes he is in a good condition to start competing for a place in the Chelsea side straight away.

The player, whose full name is Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa and is pictures here with club secretary David Barnard, has taken only a short break from the game after summer international activity and told Chelsea TV after singning a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge:

'I had one week without training at all and once I have talked with the coach, I am going to see when I can start the training,' he said, speaking in Portuguese through an interpreter. 'But if it depends, I will start straight away, even today.

'I hope to start very soon and to do a good job in this wonderful club.

'I am happy for the opportunity Chelsea have given me. It's a wonderful club, I sometimes watch the games and I hear about the club and I hope everything goes well.

'I hope to adept myself very quickly because Ricardo Carvalho and the coaches are Portuguese and they will help me with the language barrier,' he explained. I hope I won't have any problem to be on the team.'

Chief executive Peter Kenyon welcomed the latest addition to the squad, stating:

'It seems like a long time coming this one. We had it agreed a long time ago but with the Copa America, he has joined us at the start of the season literally.

'He has kept fit over the summer and he is a good addition to the squad. He has got to be our biggest player and he could be quite intimidating.

'Last season we lost out when there was that crucial period where we had injuries around central defence. I think we've definitely strengthened in that position and Tal (Ben-Heim) has got other positions he can play so I think we are very well covered and with very good quality as well.'

The Brazilian international defender is 25-years-old and joins Chelsea after three years playing in Holland at PSV Eindhoven. Chelsea had the first option to sign him.

Prior to PSV, Alex played in his homeland at Santos, the São Paulo club made famous around the globe by Pelé.

After moving to Europe, Alex was part of a side that won three consecutive Dutch league titles with a domestic double completed in 2004-5. In the Champions League last season he made the headlines heading the goal that knocked Arsenal out at the first knockout stage.

Having made his international debut in 2003, he was part of the Brazil side that won the Copa America this summer, playing in the 3-0 defeat of Argentina in the Final. He has 14 caps to his name.

Source: Official Chelsea website

Alex and his work permit

At a hearing today, Alex was granted a work permit. He still has to agree personal terms with Chelsea Football Club and have a medical.

Source: Official Chelsea website