Brazil legend Lucio shares first photo after suffering 18 per c burns on his body following horrifying accident

The 47-year-old former defender, who earned 105 caps for his country, is in the process of recovering from a terrifying ordeal. The incident in question occurred on May 17 and involved an eco-friendly fireplace.

Lucio has been pictured sporting bandages on his head, hands and legs as he receives hospital treatment. A spokesperson for the Brazilian icon has told AFP: “He is recovering well, thank God. But the treatment of burns requires a lot of care.”

Lucio has been transferred to a medical facility in Porto Alegre, with his family saying in a statement of their own: “The decision to transfer was made for greater comfort, allowing Lucio to be closer to his loved ones.”

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has said in a message of support to a man that once captained his country with such distinction: “The CBF wishes him a lot of strength in this very difficult time.”

The whole of the football world wishes Lucio well, with the commanding centre-half having enjoyed considerable success in his playing days when representing the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Inter - winning the Champions League under Jose Mourinho during his time in Italy.