Danilo: ‘I cried when Alex Sandro left Juventus’

Danilo has shared profound insights into one of the most emotional moments of his distinguished career: the departure of his close friend and long-time teammate, Alex Sandro, from Juventus. These heartfelt reflections were captured in a documentary produced by Flamengo TV, released in anticipation of the upcoming Copa Libertadores campaign.

The Brazilian defender and Alex Sandro spent several significant years together at the Turin club, having previously shared dressing rooms and forged a bond during their time at Santos and Porto. Their deep connection, cultivated across three different countries and numerous trophy victories, extends far beyond the football pitch, a fact Danilo underscored with clear emotion.

Danilo reflects on Alex Sandro bond & Juventus exit

"When Alex left Juventus, it brought tears to my eyes on the pitch because we had fought so many battles together," Danilo recounted. "I didn't anticipate it would be so difficult. It was then that I truly felt his absence. Realizing how much we supported each other throughout our careers and during challenging times brings me immense satisfaction, as our connection extended into our personal lives and families."

In the same documentary, Alex Sandro reciprocated the sentiment, expressing equally strong emotions about their enduring friendship. "We communicate daily and share feelings few can imagine," he remarked. "For me, he has always been a mirror, someone I have always admired tremendously. Our story as brothers, friends, and teammates will last a lifetime; it won't conclude here at Flamengo."

The two Brazilian players are now reunited at the Rio club, with Danilo having rejoined Flamengo, his childhood team, after his extensive tenure in Europe. He confessed that winning the Libertadores last season and scoring in the final against Palmeiras felt like a perfect moment to retire at 34. However, the unfulfilled ambition of winning a World Cup with Brazil remains his primary motivation to continue.

Regarding the Brazilian national team, Danilo spoke highly of coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose professional path has surprisingly intersected with his own. He recounted with a smile, "When I was at Porto and moved to Real Madrid, Ancelotti was practically the one who signed me, but by the time I arrived, he had already been sacked. That's how football goes. Yet, we found each other again more than a decade later in the national team. It's an enormous privilege to work with him."