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.
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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.
