Footballer Dani Alves tells court he had consensual sex with alleged victim

Former Barcelona star Dani Alves testified in court on Monday and told the judge investigating a sexual assault accusation against him that he had consensual sex with the alleged victim.

Alves has been in jail since Jan 20 after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a nightclub in Barcelona on Dec 30. The Brazilian soccer player has denied any wrongdoing.

Alves had initially said he hadn't had sex with the woman but eventually changed his version. He said he was trying to save his marriage by not admitting to the sexual encounter at first.

The court had denied Alves’ request to be freed on bail while the investigation continues, saying he was a flight risk. A trial has not been set.

Alves was detained based on evidence gathered from the initial probe by authorities and testimony from the player, the alleged victim and witnesses.

Under Spain’s sexual consent law, a case of rape can receive a maximum sentence of 15 years.

The 39-year-old Alves won 42 titles, including three Champions Leagues with Barcelona and two Copa Americas with Brazil. He played in his third World Cup last year in Qatar.