1958 World Cup winner Luiz Hilderaldo Bellini has been taken seriuosly ill in hospital and, according to Lancenet, the former Brazil defender’s outlook does not look promising. The 83 year-old has been suffering with Alzheimer’s disease for the past decade and has recently been the subject of heart murmurs.
Bellini, who had been receiving medical care at home and whose speech has deteriorated with his condition, won 51 caps for the Selecao between 1957 and 1966 and has a statue in his honour outside the Maracana stadium as a mark of how revered he is within the Brazilian football community.
Bellini also represented his country at the 1962 World Cup and fans all over the country and beyond will be hoping that his conditionbecomes more comfortable as soon as possible.
