 The following February he signed a new deal covering the 2019–20 season and, in January 2020, agreed to a further extension until June 2021.Alves played for Portugal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, with the country's participation ending after three games in Greece.Luiz Felipe Scolari gave him his full international debut in June 2007 against Kuwait in a 1–1 away draw, and he was later selected as a back-up for UEFA Euro 2008, appearing in the 0–2 group stage loss to Switzerland.