|
Brazil 1970 World Cup legend in Leeds knee op |
|
Friday, 20 November 2009 |
Source: Yorkshire Evening Post
By Jo Francisco
Football legend Carlos Alberto Torres is probably best known for lifting the World Cup for his beloved Brazil in 1970.
But on a visit to Leeds this month the trophy-winning captain was struck down by a knee injury – and underwent surgery at the LGI.
The 65-year-old was in town on business and to see his grandchildren, Diego and Vanessa, who are both studying at Leeds Met, when he suffered a sudden recurrence of a knee injury picked up during his playing career.
He spent four nights in the LGI after visiting Leeds with his son, Carlos Junior, to hold talks with Simon Clifford, founder of the Brazilian Soccer Schools and kids' football school Socatots, about taking the programmes back to Brazil.
In a statement to the YEP, Carlos Alberto praised the care given to him by staff at the LGI and spoke of his love for the city.
He said: "I first came to Leeds in 2003. I was invited by my friend Simon Clifford. I worked with him and his Brazilian Soccer Schools and fell in love with Leeds.
"Leeds is one of my favourite cities in the world. So much so that I and my son put my grandchildren Diego and Vanessa in Leeds Met which I consider to be among the finest in the world.
"I would like to thank all of the staff, doctors and everybody that showed me such care and warmth and affection at the LGI. It made a difficult situation much easier."
His right knee was last operated on in 1971, but after aggravating the injury Carlos Alberto was told that surgery was necessary. He is believed to have flown back to Brazil yesterday.
Among his many feats, Carlos Alberto scored one of the finest goals in history, firing home the fourth in Brazil's 4-1 victory over Italy in the 1970 World Cup final.
In 1999, FIFA named Carlos Alberto in the best team of the 20th century alongside ten other greats.. |
|
