Arrest shatters Dani Alves’ image as soccer’s witty winner
Reporters take pictures of a police van, allegedly carrying soccer player Dani Alves, outside the Barcelona courthouse, Spain, Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Brazilian soccer player Dani Alves has been arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Barcelona. Police say the alleged act took place on Dec. 31 at a night club in Barcelona. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu Parra)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Joan Mateu Parra]
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Dani Alves has spent his first night in pre-trial jail for alleged sexual assault in Spain. His arrest on Friday has shocked the soccer world. He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub last month. Former teammate and coach Xavi says he is “in shock.” Alves’ wife says she has lost “a pillar” of her life. The 39-year-old Brazilian player denies any wrongdoing. If he is found guilty, it will destroy the already severely damaged reputation of one of soccer’s most popular players.
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