In a surprising move, former Brazil captain and veteran right back Dani Alves has signed a free transfer deal to re-join his boyhood team of Sao Paulo FC. 

The club has confirmed the move on Thursday in a video with the 36-year-old former Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain defender.

According to the Brazilian media reports, Alves has been quoted saying in the video, "I could have chosen anywhere to play, but I chose to return to Brazil." 

"It is unreal, but I am here," the right-back added while revealing the deal, which, reportedly, will be valid until the end of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

His earlier club contract with Ligue 1 champions PSG expired in July but the Brazilian then said that he would like to remain in European soccer. 

He recently led Brazil to their latest Copa America title winning campaign at home last month. 

For his inspiring performance and strong leadership skills in the middle, Alves was also voted by organizers as the best player of the tournament.  

His new club Sao Paulo is in fifth position in the Brazilian championship after 12 matches and is still eight points behind leaders Santos.  

In his glittering professional career, Alves, who has been playing a pivotal role for his national team as well as European clubs, has lifted astonishing 40 trophies and is expected to continue at the highest level of world football for a few years more with his superior fitness level. 

He not only played all 90 minutes in several matches of the latest Copa America but also recently said that he was considering moving to the midfield to extend his career. 

Alves, however, hasn’t appeared for Brazil since his side’s 3-1 win over Peru in the Copa America final on July 7 at the Maracana Stadium. 

According to Sao Paulo officials, the defender is likely to be introduced to fans next week.

(Cover: Dani Alves of Brazil celebrates after winning the Copa America Brazil 2019 Final match against Peru at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7, 2019. /VCG Photo)