Brazil great Socrates recovering in intensive care

24 August 2011 17:00

Brazil great Socrates is recovering in intensive care after suffering a stomach haemorrhage, a spokesman for the Albert Einstein Hospital here revealed on Wednesday.

The former player had appeared in a video interview with the website GloboEsporte on Tuesday night, in which he declared: "I am doing great. The first two days were crazy, but I'm making great progress and I'm already undergoing physiotherapy.

"I think I'll be back home by Saturday, enjoying my long walks and playing tennis."

The 57-year-old, who captained Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups and is considered a legend at Sao Paulo club Corinthians, was taken to hospital on Friday.

The hospital revealed in a statement that he had "displayed symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding brought about by high blood pressure".

As well as starring for Corinthians, Socrates also played for Botafogo, Flamengo and Santos, along with Italian club Fiorentina.

Source: AFP