Chelsea unveiled Alex

Alex was unveiled as a Chelsea player today, and we can reveal he has been given the number 33 shirt.

The Brazilian, signed last week from Dutch side PSV, stated that he was 'very happy to be here', and is looking forward to his Blues career taking off.

Manager José Mourinho is pleased with his new acquisition, and believes there is now enough strength in depth to cover for injuries to his defence.

'Maybe one of the reasons why we lost the championship last year was because we had not enough defenders,' said Mourinho. 'We lost Huth and Gallas in pre-season and did all season with Terry and Carvalho and a bit of Boulahrouz. We had no other solutions, not even competitiveness between them.'

Now though, he has four centre backs at his disposal, with Alex joining other new boy Tal Ben-Haim alongside Terry and Carvalho.

Mourinho is now content with the competition within his squad, with most positions having at least two players wanting to be out on the pitch.

'There is no reasons to be shaking like we were shaking last season. In this moment we have a good balance, we are strong in every position,' Mourinho said. 'I think if Alex wants an easy comfortable life he will choose a different club, if he wants to play at a high level he knows the squad is strong. It's the same thing, he's Brazilian, to play in the national team there's 6 or 7 more so big competition and Chelsea is the same.'

The 6ft 2in defender has been based in Europe for the past three seasons, and has won consecutive titles with PSV, something that impresses Mourinho.

'I said the same with Pizarro, a player who played four or five years in a big club like Bayern Munich means he's not scared to play in the responsibilities of Chelsea.'Especially when he plays in the most famous national team in the history of football. Playing for Brazil is a big responsibility and the yellow shirt is very heavy. If he can cope with that in the national team, I hope he can cope with Chelsea.

'Last season I was scared every time a central defender was having a tough challenge. In this moment, not now, when all of them are ready, I can be breathing normal because now I have a very good group of central defenders.'

Having been based in the Eredivisie for the past three campaigns, Alex has developed a familiarity with the European game, and his Champions League exploits are well documented after scoring against Arsenal last season.

He has no fears about an improvement in the quality between Holland and the Premier Leagu.
'I think the style of play is similar but the quality in this country is higher than in Holland. I hope to adapt as quick as possible because I know here there are so many good players and the pressure is much higher than it used to be in Holland.'

Having waited three years, it's a relief for the defender to finally be at Stamford Bridge.
'I would love to have joined Chelsea three years ago but it wasn't possible so I'm really happy to be here now.As I said before there was a problem because of the work permit, but it was good for me because I got 3 years experience with PSV, but finally I'm here at Chelsea and I'm happy to be here and hopefully I'll help the team to win many trophies.
'The important thing is for me to be here, work hard and be prepared for the manager to select me for the team. I'm very happy to be here and hopefully I'll be part of the team and help them do well in every competition.'