The deal had been held up after the player failed to gain a work permit but with the move now sealed, Alex says he is confident he can adapt quickly to the Premier League.

"I hope to start very soon and to do a good job at this wonderful club," Alex told www.chelseafc.com.

"I am happy for the opportunity Chelsea have given me. It's a wonderful club, I sometimes watch the games and I hear about the club and I hope everything goes well.

"I hope to adapt myself very quickly because Carvalho and (manager Jose) Mourinho will help me with the language barrier, and I hope I can start straight away and won't have any problem to be on the team."