|
|
Corinthians dedicate Brasileirao triumph to Socrates as tributes pour in from the world of football
50,000 Timao fans stood in silence with their fists held high to pay their respects to the deceased star, while Paolo Rossi and Dino Zoff led the tributes from Italy
By Daniel Edwards
The 57-year-old passed away on Sunday morning due to complications arising from an intestinal infection, hours before Corinthians faced Palmeiras for the chance to win their first national championship since 2005. Tite's team drew 0-0 with their local rivals to finish in first, two points ahead of runners-up Vasco.
The former Brazilian international was given an emotional send-off in the last round of games, nowhere more so than in the Pacaembu by Corinthians fans. Every stadium in the country stood for a minute's silence, and the Timao faithful paid homage to Socrates by imitating his trademark goal celebration, a raised fist.
Figures from across Brazilian and world football also came out to pay their respects; led by former adversary Paolo Rossi, a member of the Italy team that ended the World Cup hopes of Brazil's iconic 1982 side.
"I am sorry for the loss of Socrates and it is very sad for us as well. A piece of history has just gone," the ex-striker said on Monday.
"I am sorry to hear it, he was still young as well. He was a brilliant player, despite the problems he had adapting to Italy," Dino Zoff, who captained the 1982 Italy team, explained.
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo was another to salute his compatriot, paying his respects via Twitter.
"The day has started in the saddest way. Rest in peace, Doctor Socrates," he posted on Sunday.
Make Your Prediction Choose match
Corinthians - Figueirense
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
Corinthians 3-0 Figueirense
- 22.22 %
-
Corinthians 2-0 Figueirense
- 22.22 %
-
Corinthians 1-0 Figueirense
- 16.67 %
Hosted by Joe Doyle
"But, we came through. Obviously there were a lot of changes so it's good to get the result.
"Belgium are a very, very strong side who are going to be really good in the future. Vincent [Kompany] told me about them and said that they were coming good and I totally agree with him."
"[Gary] Cahill I suppose is slightly more of a concern for me because it is a jaw injury. We're desperately hoping the CT scan doesn't show any fracture and it's just going to be a bruising situation, which will be bad enough, but won't stop him taking part in the tournament. As far as John's [Terry] concerned he felt his hamstring a little bit. Again it wasn't a major thing when he came off but we still need to scan it just to be 100 per cent sure."
Suffice to say, if Cahill has broken his jaw, he won't play any part in the tournament.
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
-
The definitive timeline of FSG's hunt for new manager
Kenny Dalglish's sacking at the end of the season sparked a massive hunt for the next Anfield boss, and the former Swansea man has been chosen after several turned the job down
