Former Fenerbahçe captain Alex, who retired last year has come back to Istanbul to make a documentary about his life. Alex was met with enthusiasm by Fenerbahçe fans at Atatürk Airport yesterday. The 38-year old former attacking midfielder thanked his fans for the welcome ceremony. According to Turkish media, Alex wanted to see Fenerbahçe President Aziz Yıldırım for a jubilee match. However, Yıldırım, who fired Alex in 2011 after a dispute, denied it. Starting his 19-year professional career at his hometown team Coritiba in 1995, Alex played for many Brazilian clubs such as Palmeiras, Flamengo and Cruzeiro. In 2004, the Brazilian footballer was transferred to one of the biggest football clubs in Turkey, Fenerbahçe, where he became one of the Istanbul giants' legends as well as a fan favorite. Alex de Souza scored 421 goals in 1030 matches and produced a total of 363 assists over his career. In 2007, the year that marked the 100th year anniversary of Fener, Alex was united with childhood hero, Zico, who took over as the head coach and he became the first foreign player in club history to win the top league scorer with 20 goals and 15 assists. On Sept. 15, 2012, while Alex was still under contract with Fenerbahçe, a fan-funded statue of the player was unveiled in Kadıköy, across Yoğurtçu Park. Alex de Souza recorded a total of 421 goals and 363 assists in 1030 matches played throughout his impressive career. Alex is considered a true legend in Turkey and one of the greatest foreign players to have graced the Turkish league, along with Gheorghe Hagi of Galatasaray.
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