Dani Alves has vowed that he will not evade justice if granted bail while awaiting the outcome of his appeal against a rape conviction.
Recall the former Brazil and Barcelona legend was sentenced to four and a half years in jail for rape.
He has since also paid €150k in damages to the victim and faces nine years of probation with a 12-year restraining order.
Despite his conviction, Alves is appealing the verdict, with the public prosecutor and victim seeking more harsh sentences, while his defense aims for exoneration.
During a recent hearing for bail, which was previously denied, Alves assured the judge, “I believe in justice, and I will not run away.”
He also cited his property in Barcelona as evidence of his intention to remain in the country, Football Italia reports.
Meanwhile, Alves spent 13 months in custody as a flight risk before his trial due to Brazil’s lack of an extradition policy with Spain.
However, with the appeal process potentially lasting longer, Alves faces a maximum of 27 months in prison before a final decision is reached.
