Brazil vs Argentina: Dani Alves to wear Carlos Alberto’s No.4 shirt in World Cup qualifier as mark of respect
Legendary defender tragically passed away last month but will be remembered by Juventus ace in Thursday clash
DANI ALVES will pay tribute to the late Carlos Alberto by donning the legendary defender’s No.4 shirt in Brazil’s upcoming match with Argentina.
Alberto tragically passed away last month at the age of 72 from a heart attack and is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
The right-back also scored one of football’s most exquisite goals during the 1970 World Cup and the streets of Rio de Janeiro were flooded with mourners paying tribute when he was laid to rest.
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Juventus star Alves has often been hailed as the closest thing to Alberto in the modern game following his trophy-laden career at Barcelona.
The 33-year-old based his game on Alberto’s swashbuckling style and will now switch shirt numbers as a mark of respect in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil’s fierce rivals Argentina.
Alves told reporters: “I was lucky to meet Carlos Alberto and say everything I though about him, what he has done here at Selecao… and I go beyond.
“If you love or admire a person, you have to say that in life, don’t wait until he dies to express that on social media, that’s a cold way, something that you’ll not convince people with.
“The confederation made the decision to do this tribute, in respect to the ‘eternal captain’, his family. I believe that any tribute is valid, acceptable.”