|
Garrincha
(Brazil)
Manoel dos Santos
Francisco - Garrincha - was born a cripple and the
operation that enabled him to walk left him with a
disorted left leg, yet he went on to gain two World
Cup winner's medals. Born at Pau Grande in 1933, he
joined Botafogo in 1953 and made his international
debut in the 1957 South American Championship, but was
left out of the first two games of the 1958 World Cup.
Teammates begged manager Feola to include him and he
created Brazil's first two goals in the final.
"The Little Bird", who perfected the
"banana" shot, was called up when the
injured Pelè quit the 1962 World Cup and he helped
Brazil to another final, despite being sent off in the
semifinal. He had a cartilage operation in 1963 and
was involved in a scandal when he left his wife and
eight children to marry a local singer. He was also in
dispute with the income tax authorities and with
Botafogo over pay. After defeat by Hungary in the 1966
World Cup - the only time he was on a losing
Brazillian side - he bowed out.
Garrincha had spells with Corinthians, Flamengo, Bangu
and Portuguesa Santista, then brief periods in France
and Italy. He had a few games for Brazillian club,
Olaria, before being forced to retire. he died in
January 1983, aged 50
|
