Ex-Brazil skipper Socrates dies at 57

 

Former Brazil great Socrates, the playmaker who captained Brazil at the 1982 World Cup, has died at the age of 57.

Known for his style on the field and his involvement with Brazilian politics, Socrates died of septic shock resulting from an intestinal infection. This was as reported by the Albert Einstein hospital.

He had been rushed to hospital on Saturday — the third time in four months — and had been in critical condition in an intensive care unit.

Socrates was twice hospitalised and placed in intensive care in recent months. He was admitted for bleeding caused by high pressure in the vein that carries blood from the digestive system to the liver.

Socrates acknowledged being a heavy drinker, even as a player in the 1980s, but stopped drinking this year after his time in hospital.

Socrates was above average both on and off the field. He became a doctor after retiring from soccer and later became a popular TV commentator and columnist, always with unique and controversial opinions. He never denied his fondness for drinking.

Socrates, whose full name is Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, starred for Corinthians in the early 1980s, and also played for Flamengo, Santos and Fiorentina in Italy.

The playmaker led Brazil in the 1982 World Cup in Spain and was a member of the squad in 1986 in Mexico. The 1982 Brazilian team became widely known as the best not to win a World Cup.

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.

Socrates is survived by his wife and six children. — Staff Reporter, SportsCentral