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The idol of the 1982 World Cup was admitted to hospital on Thursday after falling ill during a meal at a hotel in Sao Paulo.
It was the third time in four months that he had been treated at an intensive care unit since alcohol abuse caused his stomach to haemorrhage in August.

Socrates, who leaves behind a wife and six sons, had been hoping his health would stabilise ahead of a liver transplant after a spending another 17 days in hospital in September.
He, his wife and a friend were all taken ill   after eating stroganoff last week, but his body  was too frail to cope and suffered septic shock which claimed his life in the early hours of yesterday.
Breathing apparatus was needed and he was also put on dialysis machines to remove bacteria from his blood.

Socrates won 60 caps and was easily recognisable in his playing days as a bearded 6ft 4in midfield genius with great passing ability.
He was nicknamed O Doutor, The Doctor – as he graduated as a medical doctor during the early years of his football career.
Most closely associated with Corinthians, his only stint outside of Brazil was playing for Fiorentina for the 1984-85 season, though he also played 12 minutes for West Yorkshire team Garforth Town in 2004.

Alcohol had blighted his life in recent times, though less than a fortnight ago he insisted he was not dependent on drink.
“I never had many problems with alcohol because I was not addicted,” he told SporTV.

“All the time I interacted with alcohol as if it were a partner, but I never had withdrawal symptoms. I spent long periods without use.
“I do not feel like drinking. It is five months since I put a drop of alcohol in my mouth. I do not miss it.
“Obviously you have to change some of your behaviour and avoid risky situations, so  to speak. In my case, it is easy. I have no addiction. For those with addiction it is much more complicated.”

Corinthians midfielder Alex said the players will play with Socrates in their hearts.
Socrates was named in World Soccer’s top 100 players of all-time and was put up as one of compatriot Pel’’s 125 greatest-ever  players.
His brother Rai succeeded where he failed, winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1994.—Daily Mail.