Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm that Alex has signed a new four-year contract.

It has been a good week for the player who as well as completing the new deal, resumed full training at Cobham having recovered from a groin operation.

'I am very happy to start again to train and feel no pain, and to sign for four more years,' the 27-year-old told the Chelsea website.

'It was easy to decide to sign and now I hope to get back to playing well. My condition now is so-so. I think in two more weeks I am 100 per cent and can play without a problem.'

As well as returning to play for Chelsea and contesting for a first team place, Alex is also eyeing a return to the Brazil side, his nation having qualified for the World Cup Finals under the coaching of Dunga.

'I hope now to start to play in the Chelsea games and play very well. He [Dunga] has spoken to me and said: "I am happy to see you playing again. I hope you start to play well and I will call you to play in the national team again."

'To go back into the national team is important to me. Also the Chelsea team started very well this season, is at the top, and this season to win the Premier League is important to me. Now I want to play.'

Carlo Ancelotti has yet to manage Alex in a Chelsea game but is well-versed in the Brazilian's ability. His AC Milan side contested a tight Champions League semi-final in 2005 when Alex was at the heart of the PSV Eindhoven defence.

Ancelotti welcomed the news of the player's new contract, saying: 'I am very happy that Alex has signed a new contract with the club. He is just returning from injury and surgery but he is a player I know well.

'I am familiar with all of his fantastic qualities, so I am delighted he will be with us for another four years.'

Alex, who has made 80 Chelsea appearances, scoring seven goals since signing in 2007, is the second player to commit to a new contract this week following Salomon Kalou yesterday (Monday).

There will be more from Alex in Blues News on Chelsea TV tonight.