First Interview Since Arrest: Alves Declares His Innocence

Brazilian football defender Dani Alves has spoken out to defend his innocence in an alleged rape case in Spain. Despite being detained in January, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-German player maintains a “clear conscience” regarding events in a nightclub bathroom in Barcelona in late December. Alves has been held in custody without bail due to striking a risk to flee. Speaking from custody, he told La Vanguardia that he lied earlier, initially denying knowledge of the woman involved as he was afraid his wife would leave him if he admitted infidelity. Alves has won 42 football titles, including three Champions Leagues with Barcelona and two Copa Americas with Brazil.