Honored in one of the Blocos during Rio's Carnaval and awarded a plaque in Flamengo, Zico turns 70 this Friday (3). The greatest player in the history of the Gávea club, he was part of the team that won the Brazilian Championship in 1980, 1982, 1983, and 1987. He was also the biggest star of the squad that won both the Libertadores and the 1981 World Championship.
The maestro played for Flamengo between 1971 and 1983 and then from 1985 to 1989. With 509 goals, he is first in the ranking of the club's top scorers. He was elected the best South American player three times: in 1977, 1981, and 1982. "I can only thank Flamengo for everything that happened in my life, for opening doors for me and for the opportunity to have great achievements for my favorite club", said Zico when he received the plaque.
The celebration of his 70th birthday had already started during Carnaval, on Saturday (26). He was celebrated by the Bloco Fla Master that paraded through Barra da Tijuca (west zone of Rio).
"It is very gratifying to receive this affection from everyone because it is the legacy that we leave. A response to show that all the effort and sacrifice was worth it", completed the honoree. It was with the Flamengo shirt that he also had the worst moment of his career. The knee injury in 1985, suffered during a match against Bangu, in Maracanã, after a violent entry by defensive midfielder Marcio Nunes, compromised his participation in the 1986 World Cup. It would be the last World Cup of his career.
The last celebration of the player's 70th birthday will take place this Friday at a ball at the Jockey Club in Rio de Janeiro. The party will be for 500 guests and concerts by singer Fagner and the drums section from Imperatriz Leopoldinense. The samba school was the champion of Rio's Carnaval last week.
Translated by Cassy Dias