Futsal legend Alessandro Rosa Vieira, popularly known as Falcao, has retired from international circuit aged 39. The Brazilian calls it a day after serving his country for 18 years and after already establishing himself as a legend of the format. However, there is something to cheer for the fans as he will continue to play for his club.
His retirement comes just after Brazil were eliminated by Asian giants Iran in the pre-quarters of the FIFA Futsal World Cup, which is taking place in Colombia.
Aptly named the ‘Pele’ of futsal, the achievements of Falcao in his decorated career have been so monumental that others can only dream of such numbers. Before the start of the tournament, he had 339 goals from 201 games and 25 trophies for Brazil. While, at club level he amassed 932 goals from 697 games, winning 33 trophies.
Also Read: A look back at the career of futsal legend, Falcao
The fans at the Bucaramanga’s Coliseo Bicentenario were treated duly by the legend. Even in his last match, against Iran, he scored a hat-trick for his country to take his goal scoring tally to a record 48 goals in 34 matches, across 5 World Cups. He helped them win the tournament twice in 2008 and 2012.
Expressing his disappointment, he told FIFA.com: “I knew the game was going to be tough. People back home in Brazil were saying before the tournament that both Brazil and Iran were among the favourites to win the tournament, but we met in the round of 16 instead and here we are, leaving Colombia on penalties.”
“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.”
However, looking back at his career, he remains satisfied at the way he has completed his journey so far. He added: “I remain very happy having finished my career with a hat-trick but unfortunately they are worth nothing. 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, while 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.”
His coach Sergio reflected on the occasion saying: “His influence is massive but this is the end of his time with the national team, and he’s not going to the final, which is historic, as it is the first time ever we’ve not made it into the semi-finals.”
It is almost certain that for the fans Futsal will never be the same without Falcao. Farewell Falcao!
