Zico’s last match for Flamengo: how did he bid farewell? | OneFootball

Zico is the greatest idol in Flamengo's history, with over 500 goals in the Sacred Mantle

February 6, 1990. This is another one of the significant dates that have marked the supporters of Flamengo. This is because, on this day, Zico bid farewell to the Most Beloved in the Maracanã, in front of 95,451 thousand people.

Firstly, it's important to note that Zico's last official match with the Flamengo shirt took place on December 2, 1989. On that occasion, the Most Beloved thrashed Fluminense 5-0, in Juíz de Fora, in a match valid for the Brazilian Championship.

However, Zico, for all he did for Flamengo and Brazilian football, deserved a farewell at Maracanã. For this reason, there was a friendly match against a combination of great national and international stars on February 6, 1990, to honor the greatest idol in the history of the Most Beloved.

Was there a tribute to Zico before the ball rolled?

Right from the start, Zico surprised all the supporters who were at Maracanã. 'Galinho' didn't go up to the pitch with his teammates, but alone, from the referees' dressing room, and received greetings with a laser light show. In addition, the crowd waved the 40,000 white handkerchiefs that were purchased to enhance the brightness of the party.

How was the farewell match?

Zico's last match was divided into two parts. In the first half, 'Galinho' decided to honor Flamengo and played alongside the players who won the 1981 Club World Cup. In addition, the rubro-negro athletes wore the white uniform, which was used against Liverpool (ENG), in Tokyo, Japan. The opposing team was made up of world football stars.

In the first 45 minutes of the game, the score was 1-1. Fernando scored for the 1981 Flamengo, while Cláudio Adão scored for the opposing team. It's worth noting that stars like Falcão, Mario Kempes, Rummenigge, and Breitner were present at Zico's farewell.

In the second half, Zico played alongside the team of the Flamengo of the time, which had stars like Junior, Leandro, and Zinho. Leonardo, former right-back, scored for the rubro-negro team. However, the Italian Tarantini scored for the opponent, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Didn't Zico score a goal in the farewell match?

Surprisingly, the greatest scorer in Maracanã's history didn't manage to score in the farewell match. 'Galinho' was stopped by great saves from Taffarel, who later became a world champion with the Brazilian National Team.

How was the party after the end of the match?

Despite Zico not scoring in the farewell match, the crowd present at Maracanã was not discouraged. This is because, the supporters didn't stop shouting 'Galinho's' name, thanking him for the 508 goals in 732 matches with the Flamengo shirt.

At the end of the match, Zico took off his boots and gave them to Pintinho, a 14-year-old player, who was one of the promises of the time. In addition, there was also a show with rubro-negro artists, such as Jorge Ben Jor and Bebeto.

What did Zico think of the farewell match?

Zico, of course, will never forget the party that the Flamengo supporters made at the farewell match. Therefore, the eternal rubro-negro idol recalled moments of the match and made a point of thanking the affection of the supporters who were present at Maracanã.

"When I remember that night, what marked me the most was the strength of the supporters. I never tire of thanking for the affection I had throughout my career and that on that day I could feel very intensely. Even today I meet people who have kept the ticket, who make a point of saying they were there. A party worth remembering, despite it being my farewell, because I was very mature that it was time to stop. I had been preparing myself," said Zico, on the official website.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.