'Eternal Captain’ Carlos Alberto passes away at 72

'Eternal Captain’ Carlos Alberto passes away at 72

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Footballing great Carlos Alberto, who captained the 1970 World Cup-winning Brazilian team, has passed away of a heart attack, aged 72. Alberto is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in history, and scored one of the most memorable World Cup goals in the ’70 final against Italy.

“It is with huge regret from the CBF [Confederacao Brasileira de Futebol] that the world of football has been surprised by the death of Carlos Alberto Torres on Tuesday,” an official statement from CBF said.

“The legend of the Brazilian national team, the captain of the three-time winners of 1970, died in Rio de Janeiro after a heart attack. The wake will be held at the CBF building in Barra da Tijuca. Details will be announced soon.

“The president of the CBF, Marco Polo Del Nero, has declared official mourning for three days. The organisation’s headquarters flags are half-mast. All matches in competitions organised by the CBF will have one minute of silence. Carlos Alberto Torres leaves a huge legacy of achievements and significant collaboration for the development of our football.

“Thank you, Capita. Your story will forever be with us.”

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Alberto began his footballing career with Fluminense before moving to Santos, where he would spend 8 years. A swashbuckling right-back, Alberto is best remembered for leading a Brazilian team which many still consider to be the greatest side to have won the World Cup.

He also produced one of the most memorable moments in the game when he scored the fourth goal against Italy in the final in Mexico City.

"Santos FC regrets the death of the idol Carlos Alberto Torres, who was 72-years-old. He played in 445 matches and scored 40 goals between 1965 and 1975 and is considered the best right-back in the history of Praiano Alvinegro. The club has decreed official three days of mourning," his former club, Santos, said in a statement.

Brazilian President Michel Temer regretted the loss of Alberto on social media. Carlos Alberto Torres was an example of guts and leadership. I`m saddened by the loss of the captain who led Brazil to their third World Cup win,” he Tweeted.

Brazilian football legend Pele, who played alongside Alberto at Santos, in the national team and later at New York Cosmos, paid his tribute to his 'Capitao'.

German legend Franz Beckenbauer, who also played with Pele and Alberto at the New York Cosmos, was saddened by the loss of his 'brother'.

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