Chelsea centre-back Alex has revealed that he wants to rejoin Brazilian club Santos during the January transfer window.
The 29-year-old has been made available for a move following the acceptance of his transfer request earlier this month.
He is now hoping for a return to his homeland but admits that his wish may not be granted.
"My first option will be Santos, but it depends on a lot of things. First, on a proposal from the club, it isn't just my decision," Alex told Terra.
"The biggest problem is that I still have a year-and-a-half on my Chelsea contract, it will be difficult to get released. If I had less time on the contract a return to Brazil would be easier."
Alex joined Chelsea in 2004 from Santos, although work permit issues meant that he spent three years with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.
