Former Hertha Berlin striker Alex Alves has died after a long battle with leukaemia.

The 37-year-old, who scored against Barcelona in a Champions League clash in 2000, was diagnosed with the illness in 2007 and despite treatment his condition worsened in the last few months.

Alves began his career at Palmeiras before in 2009 moving to Germany, where he scored 20 goals during four years with Hertha.

According to local media reports, former teammates in Brazil helped Alves with financial issues as he battled the disease.