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Brazil football legend Socrates dies at the age of 57 following short illness
By ASHLEY GRAY
Last updated at 12:50 PM on 4th December 2011
Icon: Socrates was towering star for Brazil
Brazil legend Socrates has died at the age of 57 after suffering an intestinal infection.
The idol of the 1982 World Cup was admitted to hospital on Thursday after falling ill during a meal at a hotel in Sao Paulo.
It was the third time in four months that he had been treated at an intensive care unit since alcohol abuse caused his stomach to haemorrhage in August.
Socrates, who leaves behind a wife and six sons, had been hoping his health would stabilise ahead of a liver transplant after a spending another 17 days in hospital in September.
Legend: Socrates - who won 80 caps playing for Brazil - has died
He, his wife and a friend were all taken ill after eating stroganoff last week, but his body was too frail to cope and suffered septic shock which claimed his life in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Breathing apparatus was needed and he was also put on dialysis machines to remove bacteria from his blood.
Socrates won 60 caps and was easily recognisable in his playing days as a bearded 6ft 4in midfield genius with great passing ability.
Video: Socrates' thunderbolt from 1982...Last updated at 12:50 PM on 4th December 2011
Icon: Socrates was towering star for BrazilBrazil legend Socrates has died at the age of 57 after suffering an intestinal infection.
The idol of the 1982 World Cup was admitted to hospital on Thursday after falling ill during a meal at a hotel in Sao Paulo.
It was the third time in four months that he had been treated at an intensive care unit since alcohol abuse caused his stomach to haemorrhage in August.
Socrates, who leaves behind a wife and six sons, had been hoping his health would stabilise ahead of a liver transplant after a spending another 17 days in hospital in September.
Legend: Socrates - who won 80 caps playing for Brazil - has diedHe, his wife and a friend were all taken ill after eating stroganoff last week, but his body was too frail to cope and suffered septic shock which claimed his life in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Breathing apparatus was needed and he was also put on dialysis machines to remove bacteria from his blood.
Socrates won 60 caps and was easily recognisable in his playing days as a bearded 6ft 4in midfield genius with great passing ability.
He was nicknamed O Doutor - The Doctor - as he graduated as medical student during the early years of his football career.
Most closely associated with Corinthians, his only stint outside of Brazil was playing for Fiorentina for the 1984-85 season, though he also played 12 minutes for West Yorkshire team Garforth Town in 2004.
Alcohol had blighted his life in recent times, though less than a fortnight ago he insisted he was not dependent on drink.
Illness: Socrates was taken ill after eating stroganoff last week
'I never had many problems with alcohol because I was not addicted,' he told SporTV. 'All the time I interacted with alcohol as if it were a partner, but I never had withdrawal symptoms. I spent long periods without use.
'I do not feel like drinking. It is five months since I put a drop of alcohol in my mouth. I do not miss it.
'Obviously you have to change some of your behaviour and avoid risky situations, so to speak. In my case, it is easy. I have no addiction. For those with addiction it is much more complicated.'
Corinthians can clinch the Brazilian title later on Sunday and midfielder Alex says the players will fight with Socrates in their hearts.
Success: Socrates is mobbed after scoring for Brazil
'The best tribute to all Corinthians fans is the confirmation of the title,' he said. 'And 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.'
Simon Clifford, the man who was responsible for taking Socrates to Garforth, was quick to pay his respects.
Writing on his Twitter page, he said: 'Another sad weekend for football with the passing of our friend Socrates, wonderful player & principled man who stood by his values, RIP.'
Socrates was named in World Soccer's top 100 players of all-time and was put up as one of compatriot Pele's 125 greatest-ever players.
His brother Rai succeeded where he failed, winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1994.
Battle: The Brazilian hero had suffered from alcoholism
What made Socrates a legend of the game...
1954: Born Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira on February 19 in Belem do Para, Brazil.
1974: Makes professional debut for Botafogo.
1978: Joins Corinthians, going on to play almost 300 games for the club.
1979: Makes Brazil debut, going on to win 60 caps and score 22 goals.
1982: Captains Brazil in 1982 World Cup but they fail to make it past the second round.
1984: Joins Italian side Fiorentina.
1986: Returns to Brazil to play for Flamengo. Plays for Brazil in World Cup but they lose in the quarter-fnals to France on penalties.
1989: Returns to Botafogo.
2004: More than a decade after retiring from action, agrees to a one-month player-coaching deal with Northern Counties East side Garforth Town. Plays 12 minutes in a 2-2 draw against Tadcaster Albion.
2008: Inducted into the Pacembu Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame.
2011: Dies in Sao Paulo.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz1fZZt6N5p
Most closely associated with Corinthians, his only stint outside of Brazil was playing for Fiorentina for the 1984-85 season, though he also played 12 minutes for West Yorkshire team Garforth Town in 2004.
Alcohol had blighted his life in recent times, though less than a fortnight ago he insisted he was not dependent on drink.
Illness: Socrates was taken ill after eating stroganoff last week'I never had many problems with alcohol because I was not addicted,' he told SporTV. 'All the time I interacted with alcohol as if it were a partner, but I never had withdrawal symptoms. I spent long periods without use.
'I do not feel like drinking. It is five months since I put a drop of alcohol in my mouth. I do not miss it.
'Obviously you have to change some of your behaviour and avoid risky situations, so to speak. In my case, it is easy. I have no addiction. For those with addiction it is much more complicated.'
Corinthians can clinch the Brazilian title later on Sunday and midfielder Alex says the players will fight with Socrates in their hearts.
Success: Socrates is mobbed after scoring for Brazil'The best tribute to all Corinthians fans is the confirmation of the title,' he said. 'And 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.'
Simon Clifford, the man who was responsible for taking Socrates to Garforth, was quick to pay his respects.
Writing on his Twitter page, he said: 'Another sad weekend for football with the passing of our friend Socrates, wonderful player & principled man who stood by his values, RIP.'
Socrates was named in World Soccer's top 100 players of all-time and was put up as one of compatriot Pele's 125 greatest-ever players.
His brother Rai succeeded where he failed, winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1994.
Battle: The Brazilian hero had suffered from alcoholismWhat made Socrates a legend of the game...
1954: Born Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira on February 19 in Belem do Para, Brazil.
1974: Makes professional debut for Botafogo.
1978: Joins Corinthians, going on to play almost 300 games for the club.
1979: Makes Brazil debut, going on to win 60 caps and score 22 goals.
1982: Captains Brazil in 1982 World Cup but they fail to make it past the second round.
1984: Joins Italian side Fiorentina.
1986: Returns to Brazil to play for Flamengo. Plays for Brazil in World Cup but they lose in the quarter-fnals to France on penalties.
1989: Returns to Botafogo.
2004: More than a decade after retiring from action, agrees to a one-month player-coaching deal with Northern Counties East side Garforth Town. Plays 12 minutes in a 2-2 draw against Tadcaster Albion.
2008: Inducted into the Pacembu Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame.
2011: Dies in Sao Paulo.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz1fZZt6N5p
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