Alex, why did you decide to join PSG midway through the season?
"Paris was my priority. I've wanted to quit Chelsea for the last few months, so I opened negotiations with PSG. I know just how big a club PSG is, so obviously I wanted to come. I spent two years under Carlo Ancelotti in London (2009-2011) and I'm very happy to be working with him here."

Have you arrived in France hoping to be crowned champion?
"It's always a fantastic thing to win the championship. I've won the league with every club I've ever played for and it's really great. That's what I'm hoping for here and I also want to play Champions League with PSG."

Have you been guaranteed a starting position?
"No. Nobody has guaranteed me anything. I thin every player needs to earn the right to play by working as hard as possible in training. I know PSG already has several defenders, but I need to fight hard to be able to help the team."

Was the fact that Carlo Ancelotti is coach here a factor in choosing PSG?
"Of course. He played a major role in my signing here. It's important for me to have his confidence. Carlo Ancelotti has joined a big club and he brought me here. He coaches a squad and doesn’t differentiate between those that are playing and those that aren't. I want to win the league here in France with him."

What do you think about PSG's ambitions?
"I really believe in the club's project. I had several propositions from other teams, but I wanted to come here. I want to be part of an ambitious squad and stay here a long time. I want to play football... It's my life. Today I've signed for a truly big club and that's brilliant."

Can you tell us about your nickname, 'The Tank'? Where does that come from?
"It's from my time in the Netherlands at PSV Eindhoven. The supporters called me that... It was their way of welcoming me."