1970 World Cup winning Brazilian legend Carlos Alberto Torres dies aged 72

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Carlos Alberto Torres flanked by Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly during his visit to Kolkata in 2013. Image Source: pinterest

Internet Desk: 1970 FIFA World Cup winning Brazilian captain Carlos Alberto Torres died on Tuesday due to heart attack at his home in Rio de Janeiro. He was 72. A statement on his Facebook page confirmed the death. “It is in deep sorrow that we inform that this Tuesday morning our eternal captain Carlos Alberto Torres passed away in Rio de Janeiro,” the statement said.

The dead body of Carlos was kept at the Brazilian Football headquarters (CBF) in Rio on Tuesday for fans to pay their last respect. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday.

One of the best defenders of his generation, Carlos Alberto was innovative in playing box-to-box soccer. That style of play allowed him to score his famous goal at the 1970 World Cup, blasting in a pass from Pele in the 4-1 win against Italy in the final.

That goal, scored after a touch by almost every Brazilian on the pitch, is seen as the pinnacle of a team that was so dominant it turned their yellow shirts into a global brand.

Pele, one of Carlos Alberto’s closest friends, said they had a “winning partnership” as teammates and remained close even after they retired. “I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend and brother,” the three-time World Cup winner said in a statement.

At the end of that 1970 final, the 25-year-old Carlos Alberto became the last captain to lift the Jules Rimet trophy — the first three-time World Cup winners earned the right to keep it. The trophy that he famously kissed before lifting as a champion was later destroyed by thieves.

After those glorious days in Mexico, Brazil won two more World Cups in much-less-impressive fashion. This made Carlos Alberto one of the biggest advocates among his countrymen of a return to an attacking style of football.

For many Brazilians, he was just “The Captain” — even to his friends and family. He made 53 appearances for Brazil.

The late Carlos visited Kolkata in December 23, 2013 on the occasion of FIFA World Cup Trophy tour in India. In an exclusive interview the legendary footballer rated his compatriot Pele higher than Maradona. “Pele in my opinion was the number 1player ever. I saw him playing and must admit Maradona came after Pele. It is very difficult to make a comparison between players.”

Watch : Carlos Alberto Torres interview to xtratime.in