By David Gold
December 4 – Sócrates, one of the world’s greatest midfielders and Brazil’s captain at the 1982 World Cup, has died in a São Paulo hospital at the age of 57, casting a shadow over the final weekend of the Brazilian Championship.
Sócrates scored 22 times for Brazil in 60 appearances, though he only pulled on the Selecão shirt for the first time at the age of 25 in order to complete his studies to become a doctor.
A gifted passer of the ball with both feet as well as blessed with exquisite skill, Sócrates was nicknamed “the doctor”, and lead the Brazil team at the 1982 World Cup which entertained the world with their flamboyant football, before ultimately falling short when they were beaten by Italy 3-2.
The scorer of 172 goals during an illustrious spell with Corinthians, he retired in 1989 after a career which also saw him play for Botafogo, Fiorentina, Flamengo and Santos, before bizarrely coming out of retirement to play for English non-league outfit Garforth Town in the Northern Counties League seven years ago.
The midfielder was also known for his strong political views, and in the mid 1980s he helped turn Corinthians into the first democratically run football club in the world, in protest at the military dictatorship ruling Brazil.
He was in intensive care for the third time in four months, and had been recommended for a liver transplant, having admitted recently that he considered alcohol “a companion,” as well as being known as a regular smoker.
He was taken ill this week and was being treated at the Albert Einstein Israeli hospital for an intestinal infection which developed into septic shock, and in a statement the hospital confirmed that this had caused his death.
Corinthians play at home to local rivals Palmeiras later today as they look to clinch the Brazillian Championship.
They are two points clear of nearest rivals Vasco de Gama, who also have a local derby with Rio de Janeiro rivals Flamengo, but the final round of fixtures is likely to be an emotional one after the death of one of the country’s greatest ever players.
Corinthians midfielder Alex has said that his team will go all out to lift the title in tribute of Sócrates.
“The best tribute to all Corinthians fans is the confirmation of the title,” he said
“Socrates is a man who represents Corinthians well – he participated in an important part of the club’s history.
“I hope we get this title in his name too.”
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