 He was expected to sign for Premier League team Newcastle United for a fee around £3 million before the January 2008 transfer window closed, but finally remained in Spain until the end of the season as the offer from the latter proved to be a hoax.In June 2008, in the middle of a severe financial crisis at Levante and with the club also being relegated from the top level, Álvaro returned to Brazil and joined Sport Club Internacional.The following year, he signed a one-year deal with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.