Courtesy: The Sun


Futsal legend Falcao, 39, retires after devastating World Cup loss to Iran

by Toby Gannon

22nd September 2016

FUTSAL legend Falcao has hung up his boots at the age of 39.

The Samba star bowed out after Brazil were eliminated by Iran at the Fifa Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016.
A teary-eyed Falcao, who scored a hat-trick against the Asian champions on Wednesday, said: "I remain very happy having finished my career with a hat-trick but unfortunately they are worth nothing.

“These goals are of no real value; they are just helping me to improve my record.

"If I was able to change everything I did in this tournament, including the goals, and be able to trade it to become world champion, I would in an instant.”

Falcao was named Best Futsal Player in the World a record four times and won the Golden Ball twice in the 2004 and 2008 World Cups.

And he was even given a hero's sendoff by Iran, who's team threw him up in the air at full-time.

Despite failing to help Brazil win a sixth World Cup, Falcao admitted he was proud of what he had achieved in his career.

He added: "Even with this result, I remain hugely proud because as I end my career I know I will be remembered as a very important player in the history of futsal.

“I was world champion twice, I am so honoured to see how the fans view me and what I have done, as this is what is most important to me.”

Falcao, full name Alessandro Rosa Viera, played for 15 different teams in his 26-year career, including Sao Paulo football club.

He is regarded as the greatest futsal player of all time and is known as the 'Pele' of the sport.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com