Zico mourns Socrates

Former Brazil international Zico led the tributes to Socrates after the former Brazil captain died at the age of 57.Socrates passed away at the weekend after he had been treated for food poisoning during his third hospital admission of the year.The midfield great had previously revealed his poor health was a result of alcohol abuse and died of severe septicaemia before being buried in the town of Ribeirao Preto on Sunday, with large crowds turning out to pay their respects.Zico, who played with Socrates for Brazil over many years and briefly for Flamengo, said of his friend: He was an amazing guy. As a player what is there to say, he was one of the best who ever played.Zico told globoesporte.com: A high quality he possessed was loyalty. I had the privilege of being his friend. Our children are friends.Hes going very early. He had unusual intelligence. You always expected something good from him.A statement on the Brazilian Federations website said: President Ricardo Teixeira, on behalf of the directors and staff of CBF, expressed sorrow over the death of Socrates, the captain of the Brazilian team in the 1982 World Cup.A cultured midfielder, Socrates won 60 caps for Brazil, scoring 22 goals, representing his country at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
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