Sao Paulo, Dec 4 (IANS) Brazilian football legend Socrates, the captain of the 1982 World Cup squad, passed away Sunday of an intestinal infection. He was 57 and is survived by his wife and six children.
Socrates’ 1982 squad is widely regarded as the best Brazilian side not to have won the World Cup. He was taken to the hospital late Friday after suffering food poisoning, Xinhua reported.
He had been in critical condition in an intensive care unit, breathing with the help of a ventilator, according to a statement from the Albert Einstein hospital.
Socrates was twice hospitalised in intensive care in the last few months, the last time in September. Both times he was admitted for a haemorrhage caused by high pressure in the vein that carries blood from the digestive system to the liver.
Socrates has acknowledged being a heavy drinker, even when he starred as a player in the 1980s.
Socrates was included in FIFA’s list of the best 125 living soccer players in the world, a list compiled by countryman Pele. Socrates played 63 matches with the national team, scoring 25 goals.
He was known for his great vision on the field. Always clever with the ball on his feet, his trademark move was his back-heel pass, and he set up and scored many goals with it throughout his career.
Brazilian footballers paid tribute the legend on Twitter minutes after the news of his demise.
‘Sad to wake up and find out that Socrates has died,’ wrote former Brazil and Barcelona playmaker Rivaldo.
Reitired striker Ronaldo posted: ‘Sad start to the day, Rest in peace Dr. Socrates.’
The Brazilian Football Federation announced that final round of the local league Sunday will be played in the memory of Socrates, who played for Corinthians during his hey days.
Socrates also played for Italian club Fiorentina, which will observe a minute’s silence and wear black armbands in his honour ahead of their match against Roma in the Seria A.
Former Italy forward Paolo Rossi described Socarates as a ‘very dynamic’ player
‘He was a very dynamic player with a sublime foot but most of all great intelligence,’ said Rossi, who scored a famous hat trick against Brazil in the 1982 World Cup.
Socrates briefly coached and played for Garforth Town in England in 2004.
