Dani Alves writes letter to wife Joana Sanz: 'I long for another chance'

Dani Alves has sent a letter to his wife Joana Sanz from Brians 2 Prison, where he is now being held on suspicion of rape.

The former player for Barcelona and Sevilla was detained on January 20 on suspicion of a suspected sexual assault that occurred on December 30 at the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona.

The Spanish TV programme "Y Ahora Sonsoles" has obtained exclusive access to Alves' handwritten letter to Sanz after she ultimately made the decision to end their relationship and file for divorce.

"Now, in these difficult moments, I regret your decision and I long for life to give us another chance," Alves wrote.

"I will continue to fight as I have always done with the support of those who are by my side to show my innocence to the whole world."

Dani Alves' complete letter to Joana Sanz:

In the meantime, 'Y Ahora Sonsoles' said that Sanz, who recently announced her breakup with Alves on social media, was unaware that this letter ever existed. The entire letter is written as follows:

"My dear Joana, we had almost eight years of much love, affection, respect and mutual care," the letter starts.

"Particularly the last years by your side everything seems easier and more pleasant."

"You and my children, Dani Filho and Victoria, were the best thing that happened to me in my life."

"Together we have grown since the day we met. From the first minute we started a life together. We accompanied each other all those years. Strengthening and nurturing each other's lives."

"Now, in these difficult moments, I regret your decision and I long for life to give us another chance for me to love you again."

"I understand the pain that the unjust situation we are living is causing and I understand that you have not been able to withstand all the pressure."

"The facts of which I am accused are alien to me, and to the values that have guided my life: love, respect and effort."