‘Dani Alves depressed, crestfallen’ – Former cellmate Coutinho reveals
Former Barcelona defender Dani Alves, who has been incarcerated in a Barcelona prison for over 13 months, is reportedly facing a dire mental state, as revealed by a former cellmate identified as Coutinho.
Alves, who stands accused of serious charges of rape stemming from an alleged incident in December 2022, has been denied bail three times, exacerbating the severity of his situation.
Following the end of his trial, which spanned three days and gathered significant media attention, Alves says he his innocent of the accusations. However, the conclusion of the trial appears to have taken a toll on his mental well-being.
According to insights shared by Coutinho, a former cellmate of the most decorated footballer, Dani Alves, he has experienced a noticeable decline in his psychological condition since the trial’s conclusion.
In a revelation that has drawn worrying comments on social media from fans and those sympathetic to the ‘once celebrated’ footballers plight, Coutinho expressed that Alves has been grappling with feelings of depression and despondency in the aftermath of the trial.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Alves seems to have some support within the confines of the prison. Educators and prison officials have reportedly extended their assistance to the embattled player, offering a semblance of solace amidst his ordeal.
“As a result of the trial, he has been hit by the slump. He’s kind of depressed, crestfallen,” Coutinho revealed as quoted in a report by SPORT.
The impending verdict of Alves’ trial holds significant implications for his future.
Beyond determining his legal fate, the outcome of the trial stands to profoundly impact both his personal and professional life.
State prosecutors have said they wanted him jailed for nine years if convicted of raping a 23-year-old woman in a toilet at Barcelona’s upmarket Sutton nightclub on December 30, 2022.
His defence asked for an acquittal, or if found guilty a one-year sentence plus £42,000 (€50,000) compensation for the victim.
The revelation regarding Alves’ mental health struggles underscores the human toll of legal battles, particularly for individuals thrust into the public eye like the Brazillian.
Indeed, Alves’ ordeal has left an indelible mark on his life, irrespective of the trial’s outcome.
For avoidance of doubt, it is worth clarifying that ‘Coutinho’ is not to be confused with Alves’ former Brazil team-mate Philippe Coutinho.
