http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...s-aged-57.html

Brazil legend Socrates has died at the age of 57 after suffering an intestinal infection.

The idol of the 1982 World Cup was admitted to hospital on Thursday after falling ill during a meal at a hotel in Sao Paulo.

It was the third time in four months that he had been treated at an intensive care unit since alcohol abuse caused his stomach to haemorrhage in August.


Socrates, who leaves behind a wife and six sons, had been hoping his health would stabilise ahead of a liver transplant after a spending another 17 days in hospital in September.

He, his wife and a friend were all taken ill after eating stroganoff last week, but his body was too frail to cope and suffered septic shock which claimed his life in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Breathing apparatus was needed and he was also put on dialysis machines to remove bacteria from his blood.

Socrates won 60 caps and was easily recognisable in his playing days as a bearded 6ft 4in midfield genius with great passing ability.

He was nicknamed O Doutor - The Doctor - as he graduated as medical student during the early years of his football career.

Most closely associated with Corinthians his only stint outside of Brazil was playing for Fiorentina for the 1984-85 season, though he also played 12 minutes for West Yorkshire team Garforth Town in 2004.