Brazil great Socrates in ‘stable’ condition

Former Brazil captain Socrates remains in a “stable” condition in intensive care in the Albert Einstein hospital here after being readmitted on Monday night.

According to a statement released by the hospital, the 57-year-old “has remained stable for the past 24 hours” while his dose of medication to control his blood pressure has been lowered.

“(He) remains in the intensive care unit, sedated and breathing through a tube,” the statement continued. “The haemoglobin levels in his blood are adequate and balanced.”

Meanwhile, the sports daily ‘Lance’ has reported that fans of Corinthians will pay tribute to the man who helped them win three Paulista state championship titles in 1979, 1982 and 1983 in today’s match against Flamengo. Socrates, himself a qualified physician, was previously taken to intensive care on August 20 after being diagnosed with serious gastrointestinal bleeding.

He has acknowledged having personal struggles with alcohol that caused the problem, and said last month that his illness “was not too serious, but has been located in a sensitive part of the liver.”

His wife has spoken of a possible kidney transplant, ‘Lance’ reported, but doctors have not addressed that publicly.

Socrates – short captained Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups and is considered a legend at Sao Paulo club Corinthians.

His nickname was “the doctor,” as he is a physician by training.

As well as starring for Corinthians, he also played for Botafogo, Flamengo and Santos, along with Italian side Fiorentina.