Alex’s eight-year spell at Fenerbahçe came to an end yesterday in a meeting with the club President, Aziz Yildirim, which lasted just three minutes.
The 35-year old Brazilian playmaker had fallen out of favour with the coach, Aykut Kocaman, and things came to a head after the 2-0 defeat this weekend against Kasimpasa, a game in which Alex was substituted at half time.
He said: “I walked into the president’s office at 16:15 and left at 16:18. Eight years at the club and he decided everything in just three minutes.”
The former Cruzeiro star further explained the reasons for his departure in a statement earlier today:
“On Monday, when I got to training, I was called by the coach into his office and he told me that I was removed from the first team. I argued that, for an athlete to be removed it has to be because of a disciplinary reason.
“The coach gave me the following explanation: “I am the coach and the leader of the team, but you’re big and strong.” said Alex.
Rumours have circulated that the source of the problem was the fact that Alex was close to taking over from Kocaman as the clubs leading goalscorer.
However, Kocaman has denied this by stating the decision was made due to Alex’s recent lack of playing time and the player’s age.
The decision has not gone down well with the Fenerbahçe supporters, who protested over night by burning banners depicting the President’s image.
