Flamengo announced on Monday the signing of left-back Alex Sandro, who played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup with the Brazilian national team and terminated his nine-year contract with Italian club Juventus in May.

The Rio de Janeiro-based club confirmed on social media that they have completed negotiations to strengthen their squad with the 33-year-old defender. Alex Sandro has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, binding him to Brazil's most popular team until December 2026.

Alex Sandro was a key player for Brazil during the 2022 World Cup, under the management of Tite, who is now Flamengo's head coach.

The new Flamengo player was called up for 34 matches with the Brazilian national team between 2017 and 2022, starting in 27 of them and scoring two goals.

Alex Sandro began his professional career at Athletico Paranaense but gained national recognition as a player for Santos, where he won the Copa Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil.

His successful stint at Santos paved the way for a move to Europe, first to Portuguese club Porto and later to Juventus.

The possible signing of Alex Sandro was recommended last year to the management of São Paulo FC by then-coach Dorival Júnior, who is now the head coach of the Brazilian national team and has expressed concern about the lack of quality left-backs.

However, Alex Sandro has been out of action since May 25, when he played his last match in the Italian Championship and wore the Juventus jersey for the final time.