Zico has labelled former team-mate Socrates as 'one of the best who ever played' after the ex-Brazil captain died at the age of 57.
Former team-mate says midfielder was 'one of the best'
Zico has labelled former team-mate Socrates as 'one of the best who ever played' after the ex-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."
Privilege
Zico told
globoesporte.com: "A high quality he possessed was loyalty. I had the privilege of being his friend. Our children are friends.
"He's going very early. He had unusual intelligence. You always expected something good from him."
A statement on the Brazilian Federation's 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.
Politically active and influential beyond football in his playing days and a qualified doctor - he took his exams while playing - Socrates was put up as one of compatriot Pele's 125 greatest-ever players.
His brother Rai was a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 and said of Socrates: "Everyone knows the story, his importance not only for football but for the country."
