Chelsea defender Alex has revealed why he decided to sign a new four-year contract with the club.
Defender glad to be back following injury
Chelsea defender Alex has revealed why he decided to sign a new four-year contract with the club.
There had previously been speculation over the Brazilian's future, with rumours suggesting he could leave Stamford Bridge over the summer.
However, Alex penned a new long-term deal last month and maintains that he still loves plying his trade for the Blues.
The 27-year-old's mind was made up by a discussion with his father and he is now determined to show what he can do.
"I am very happy to stay here because I really like playing for Chelsea," said Alex.
"I spoke with my father first and he said: 'It is a good club, you have to stay here more years' and of course I am happy here so I signed the contract.
"My father is very important to me. I always speak with him when I have a decision.
"On my first day at Chelsea he came with me and he stayed one month in London while I was living in the hotel. He came to training every day."
Pain free
Alex knows he faces a stern challenge to establish himself in the Chelsea side after missing the start of the season following groin surgery.
"I believe I can do more for Chelsea - I have played only two games since my operation but I want to do more so I keep training hard," he said.
"I started the pre-season tour in America but I was training and playing with pain always, so for me I had to ask the doctor if I could go for the operation.
"Now it is okay. I can do everything without pain - train, run and shoot.
"I had to make a decision to be out for three or four months so that I could do everything without pain or play on as I was before.
"Now I have to continue my improvement and train very well. I'm very happy to be playing again."
