Brazil legend Socrates dies

Former Brazil captain Socrates has passed away in a Sao Paulo hospital at the age of 57 after suffering an intestinal infection.

Former midfielder passes away at the age of 57

Former Brazil captain Socrates has passed away in a Sao Paulo hospital at the age of 57 after suffering an intestinal infection. Socrates fell ill during a meal on Thursday and was taken to hospital with a suspected case of food poisoning, before being placed in intensive care after it was discovered he had suffered septic shock. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead in the early hours of Sunday morning. It was the third time in four months that Socrates, who leaves behind a wife and six sons, had been treated at an intensive care unit since alcohol abuse caused his stomach to haemorrhage in August.

Revered

He spent 17 days in hospital in September but had been hoping his health would stabilise ahead of a liver transplant. Socrates enjoyed a distinguished playing career and represented Corinthians, Botafogo, Fiorentina, Flamengo and Santos as well as Brazil. A wonderfully skilful midfielder, Socrates made 60 appearances for his country and scored 22 times, captaining the revered 1982 World Cup team. In 2004, more than a decade after retiring, Socrates made a shock appearance for Northern Counties East Football League side Garforth Town, coming on as a substitute against Tadcaster Albion.