Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said on Saturday he was “shocked” after Dani Alves was arrested on sexual assault charges.
The 39-year-old defender, fired by Mexican club Pumas after his arrest, is being held in custody without bail in Barcelona.
Accusations of sexual assault in Spain can mean anything from unsolicited and the shadow of sexual groping to rape.
While the police refused to give details about the case, a source close to the investigation told AFP that Alves was accused of raping the woman.
He repeated the allegations before the judge on Friday, the source added.
Alves, who played for Barcelona for eight seasons between 2008-2016, rejoined the Catalans for a short spell last season under former team-mate Xavi.
“It’s difficult to talk about a situation like this, first of all,” Xavi said at a press conference on Saturday, a day before his team’s match with Getafe in La Liga.
“I’m like everyone, I’m surprised, I’m surprised, I’m surprised, I know Dani.
“This is the first thought. And after that, because it’s a matter for the law, and the law will work, we can’t get to it.
“Regarding Dani, I feel uncomfortable with him, I’m surprised, because of how Dani is, and how he’s doing when he’s here.
“(I’m) shocked, shocked, I can’t say anything.”
Catalonia police said they received a complaint on January 2 from a woman accusing Alves of sexual assault.
The alleged sexual assault took place in a popular Barcelona nightclub on the night of December 30-31, according to Spanish media reports.
Alves was a key player in Barcelona’s golden era, winning three Champions League trophies with the club, and six La Liga titles.
The Brazilian player also played for Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus among other teams.