Sao Paulo's player Dani Alves gestures during the Brazilian Championship football match against Ceara at Morumbi stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug 18, 2019. (NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP)

SAO PAULO - Dani Alves scored the winner on his return to Brazilian club football on Sunday as Sao Paulo beat Ceara 1-0 in the Brazilian Serie A championship.

Not even in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen

Dani Alves

The 36-year-old netted from close range to give the hosts the lead just before halftime at the Morumbi stadium.

ALSO READ: Dani Alves: I didn't join Sao Paulo to retire

"Not even in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen," said Alves, whose had previously not played in Brazilian domestic football since 2002.

"It's a satisfying feeling... I believe that with hard work this team can improve a lot. We showed that we have right spirit to be able to achieve our objective of winning."

As expected, the former Sevilla, Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain player, was deployed in midfield instead of his customary role at right-back. The move allowed the club's other high profile signing, former Atletico Madrid and Spain defender Juanfran, to be used on the right side of Sao Paulo's backline.

READ MORE: Dani Alves completes Sao Paulo move

Sao Paulo have now won four consecutive league matches and are fifth in Brazil's 20-team top-flight standings, five points behind leaders Santos.

In other fixtures on Sunday, CSA won 1-0 at Fluminense, Cruzeiro beat Santos 2-0 in Belo Horizonte and Goias drew 1-1 at Bahia.