Carlos Alberto Dead: Brazilian World Cup legend dies aged 72

Posted Wednesday, October 26, 2016 by Express.co.uk

CARLOS ALBERTO, who scored one of the greatest goals in World Cup history, has died aged 72.

Tributes poured in for Alberto who passed away in Rio de Janeiro after a heart attack.

A key figure at right-back in an international team widely regarded as the finest ever to play the game, Alberto captained Brazil to their 1970 World Cup win.

It was during that tournament in Mexico where Alberto struck the iconic fourth goal in the final against Italy by finishing off a sweeping move involving nine team-mates.

Alberto won 53 international caps and spent the majority of his club career at Santos, where he played alongside great Pele.

Nicknamed "the captain" for his leadership qualities, Alberto was renowned for his dribbling ability in the all-conquering Brazil sides of the 70s.

He was also one of the first big-name stars to play in America when he joined New York Cosmos.

Alberto retired in 1982 and moved into management, where he took charge of a number of South American teams including spells at Flamengo and Fluminese.

His last post was as manager of Azerbaijan 11 years ago where his time in charge included a 2-0 defeat against Sven-Goran Eriksson's England at St James' Park in 2005.

Alberto worked as a commentator for Sportv in Brazil and made his last appearance on television on Sunday.

"Carlos Alberto Torres was an example of guts and leadership," said Brazil President Michel Temer.

"I'm saddened by the loss of the captain who led Brazil to their third World Cup win."

A statement by his former club Santos read: "He played 445 matches and scored 40 goals in the 1965 period to 1975, and is considered the best right-back in the history of Praiano Alvinegro. The club had decreed official mourning three days."