Chelsea's most recent signing joined on the eve of the new Premier League season after three years playing in Holland at PSV Eindhoven. Chelsea held the first option to sign him when he left.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international defender put his signature to a three-year deal and along with Tal Ben-Haim is an important reinforcement in a rearguard that had been holed badly by injuries the previous campaign.
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, the young player 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 by 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 2007 Copa América in the summer, playing in the 3-0 defeat of Argentina in the Final, his 14th cap. He made his Chelsea debut away to Liverpool in the third game of the season.
