Soccer: Former Brazil captain Socrates has died at the age of 57. The Brazilian media, quoting sources at the Albert Einstein Israeli Hospital in Sao Paulo where Socrates was being treated for food poisoning, say he died this morning.
His wife and a friend also fell ill after also eating infected stroganoff at a nearby hotel, reports said. But, owing to his already ill-heath — this was his third hospital admission of the year — he was unable to recover.
Speaking after his initial hospitalisation in August, the former midfield great revealed his poor condition was the result of alcohol abuse.
Socrates is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, a cultured midfielder who won 60 caps for the Brazil national side, scoring 22 goals. He captained the ‘Selecao’ at the 1982 World Cup and also played at the 1986 tournament in Mexico, although never managed to win football’s biggest prize.
His club career included spells at Botafogo, Corinthians, Fiorentina, Flamengo and Santos. A qualified doctor, Socrates studied in Dublin during the 1970s and, according to legend, also played for UCD whilst in Ireland
A qualified doctor, Socrates studied in Dublin during the 1970s and, according to legend, also played for UCD whilst in Ireland... Would love to hear more on this!
R.I.P.A qualified doctor, Socrates studied in Dublin during the 1970s and, according to legend, also played for UCD whilst in Ireland... Would love to hear more on this!
He really was a great great player. 1982 WC is the first one I remember (I was 8). Some great players in that tournament, a young Diego, Boniek, Platini, Zoff, Rummenigge, Zico.
I still remember that Germany vs France semi-final as if it were yesterday. France 3-1 up in extra-time - 1.01 would have been smashed that day.
Brazil vs Italy was a fantastic match as well.
He really was a great great player. 1982 WC is the first one I remember (I was 8). Some great players in that tournament, a young Diego, Boniek, Platini, Zoff, Rummenigge, Zico. I still remember that Germany vs France semi-final as if it were yesterd