Ex- Chelsea defender and Brazilian international Alex has revealed he has undergone a heart operation to clear four blocked arteries.
While Alex has long since retired from playing after hanging up his boots in 2016 following his time with AC Milan, his first club Santos were the ones to break the news by uploading a video of their former defender laying in a hospital bed.
The 39-year-old used the video an an opportunity to put right claims that he had suffered a heart attack and instead cleared up reports: "I came here to deny reports saying I had a heart attack. I found a problem a few days ago, doctors decided to give me a bypass surgery. I had four blocked arteries. I just left the intensive care unit. I will stay at the hospital for another six days."
Santos accompanied the video with well-wishes that said: "We are all with you and rooting for your speedy recovery." He left the Brazilian giants in 2004 for the bright lights of Stamford Bridge, but actually spent three seasons on loan with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven after the switch.
After eventually forcing his way into the Chelsea back-line, he remained an ever present as the Blues won one Premier League title, two FA Cups and the Champions League - the first in the club's history back in 2012. Eight years on the books at Chelsea saw a return of 134 appearances across all competitions along with 10 goals to match.
He eventually bid farewell to West London to join Paris Saint-Germain, where Alex remained for two years before upping sticks once more to join Serie A titans AC Milan.
2016 saw the defender bring an end to an impressive club career littered with domestic and European silverware, with some international success thrown in as well. Though he donned the famous yellow shirt of the Selecao just 17 times, he was part of the triumphant Copa America side of 2007.
Famed for his physical approach, Alex earned the nickname "the Tank" during his playing days. For a defender, he also boasted remarkable shot-power and even notched a remarkable free kick for Chelsea against Arsenal in October of 2010.
