Dani Alves' ex-wife celebrates his return to Barcelona's legendary players list

Dani Alves' ex-wife has celebrated his return to Barcelona's list of legends after their disgraced former player was initially removed after being found guilty of rape and sentenced to prison.

Alves was given four years and six months behind bars last week following his conviction of a rape in a Barcelona nightclub bathroom.

The disgraced former player won 23 trophies with Barcelona and is one of the most decorated footballers in history, but the club decided to remove him from their pantheon of legends on their website following the verdict.

But just days later the 40-year-old has been reinstated, with his picture and description now visible again alongside other iconic players in their history.

Alves is described as 'the best right back in Barca's long history' - adding: 'Football fans will never forget hid raids down the right hand side in tandem with Messi, wreaking havoc on opposing defences.'

And after U-turning on their decision to remove Alves, his ex-wife Joana Sanz appeared to celebrate in a story on her Instagram account.

She uploaded a screenshot of a news story discussing him being reinstated, with a caption saying: 'To Caesar what belongs to Caesar.'

Sanz - who has reportedly filed for divorce from Alves - had been part of the family group present at Alves' sentencing in Barcelona's Audiencia Provincial court. on February 22.

The Tenerife-born model gave evidence on his behalf and said he arrived home 'very drunk'. His alcohol consumption that night was not taken into account as a mitigating factor.

In a letter Joana posted online shortly before his sentencing, and removed seconds later - claiming she had published it by mistake - Alves said: 'I pray every day that the day comes when I can see you wake up.'

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