Brazilian football clubs have united in mourning for Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo, the only winner of four World Cups, who died this Saturday at the age of 92. This event united President Lula da Silva and Jair Bolsonaro in the same feelings.
“He was one of the greatest footballers and coaches of all time, a great winner and a symbol of the love of Brazil,” wrote the current president of the republic, Lula da Silva, who also highlighted the role Zagalo played as Brazil’s coach. “The best soccer team in history, the 1970 Brazil team.”
The previous President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro, a vocal opponent of Lula da Silva, issued a statement recalling Zagallo’s response to the criticism that Canarinha, which he led in 1997, was subjected to after winning the Copa America in Bolivia. no matter what in this edition of the race.
“They will have to swallow me” is the phrase immortalized by Zagallo, the only four-time world champion,” the far-right leader wrote, hoping that “God in his infinite goodness will take him into his arms and comfort his family, friends and fans.” .
Former footballer Romario de Souza Faria also lamented the death of Mario Zagallo, with whom he was embroiled in a bitter controversy, admitting that the “Old Wolf” was “as important as Pele” in the history of world football.
In turn, Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama, four of the “great” footballers of Rio de Janeiro, whom Zagallo represented at different times as a player or as a coach, devoted themselves wholeheartedly to Velho Lobo. .
“Eternal in our hearts,” Botafogo wrote on its social networks, recalling the “just tribute” the club paid to Zagallo in 2013 when they unveiled a statue commemorating the player at the gates of the Nilton Santos stadium.
Flamengo wrote “Eterno Zagallo” and remembered that this expression had 13 letters, a favorite number of Zagallo, who, like few others, was superstitious.
“The hero who shaped the history of Brazilian football has passed away and now enters eternity as a revolutionary and historical pillar of the sport,” one can read in the message left by Flamengo.
Fluminense and Vasco da Gama also mourned Zagallo’s death and recalled moments when he defended their colours, but reports of this spread to most Brazilian clubs.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.