On December 4, 2011, a part of São Paulo leaves. Because Socrates dies at the Albert Einstein hospital in Brazil. A football philosopher, with his Corinthian Democracy – a self-management managed by the players, against the coach’s authority, training for three years alone – who still fascinates forty years later. He drank and smoked a lot, too much, even when he played. For this reason he suffered from hemorrhages in the digestive system and cirrhosis of the liver. However, it seemed like food poisoning, although his condition immediately seemed very serious, so much so that he was subjected to dialysis.
He was one of the best players of the previous three decades. Nicknamed God’s heel because he was used to using the back of his foot, he had a degree in medicine despite never having practiced. In 1984 there was also a move to Fiorentina, where his lifestyle seemed anything but sporting. But when quality and class prevail, it is also right to give way and enjoy how beautifully made.
250 goals in 469 appearances, including nine in thirty-three at Fiorentina. For a midfielder Socrates was almost surgical in going to the net. Twenty-two wearing the Seleçao shirt, in 60 games.