The great Socrates, captain of the last great romantic Brazil side in 1982 died at the age of 57 in hospital of septic shock following a bout of food poisoning. He was a medical doctor, chain smoker, heavy drinker (and these no doubt contributed to his recent ill-health) and absolute genius footballer. I have seen scores of great footballers since (and some were objectively better) but none has left quite the impression of exotic, refined mastery that Socrates exuded.

Brian Glanville obituary in the Guardian

Yeah, just saw that too. I heard he'd been sick but this is strangely depressing news.

Always a player I wished I could have watched. Maybe he seems even more romantic because I didn't.

He taught me everything I know about chainsmoking...

If nothing else he had the coolest single name ever from Brazil...

Good piece on the life & times in the Star.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/artic...as-anti-athlete