Legend Socrates bemoans the death of ‘Samba’ in trophy-chasing Brazilian style

LONDON - Former Brazil captain Socrates has said that he will be cheering for Spain in South Africa, as the current national side managed by Dunga has sacrificed their traditional flair in favour of chasing trophies.

Socrates insists that winning should not be everything for the Brazilians, as art and beauty are an integral part of football.

“Brazil certainly can win the World Cup, but Spain are playing superbly in terms of beauty and flair. I am not against Brazil, I just don’t get excited by the football they play these days. Brazil have relinquished the fantasy and abandoned their roots,” The Sun quoted Socrates, as saying.

“In these times of football as a business, winning became everything and the game is dominated by pragmatism. It is a shame even at the financial point of view, because Brazil could still be cashing in by using their unique tradition of flair, but we have given that away in order to chase trophies he added.

The 56-year-old, who has been an outspoken critic of the way the Brazilian team play, though, does not blame Dunga for the uninspiring style.

“Dunga is not to blame for what is going on in Brazilian football he is a victim. It doesn’t matter who is the manager, because other guys would also be adopting the same style, because that’s what the establishment wants,” Socrates said.

“They have been winning tournaments and games, but the team lacks a player who embodies the true free spirit of Brazilian football.

Brazil are boring. The players in the national team are chained by the pragmatism,” he added. (ANI)