Former Brazil and Milan star striker Adriano bids farewell to football
Al Jazeera
The 42-year-old was considered one of the world’s greatest forwards in the early-2000s before personal issues derailed his career.
Former Brazil and Inter Milan striker Adriano, nicknamed the “Emperor” in his prime, bid farewell to football in a testimonial match at the home of Flamengo, the club where his once-promising career started.
The 42-year-old had been tipped to become one of the football greats but eventually succumbed to the pressures of sporting fame and alcohol problems.
The testimonial, played at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, ended with a 4-3 victory for the “Flamengo Legends” against “Friends of Italy”.
The occasion allowed Adriano to formally say goodbye, eight years after his last official match, and featured several Brazil greats including striker Romario and goalkeeper Julio Cesar.
The 48-times-capped player was also accompanied on the pitch by his son Adrianinho, and scored goals for both teams.
