Santos reported on Monday (3) the death of Lima, 83, one of his historical idols. Part of the alvinegra team that had Pelé and won everything in the 1960s, he was hospitalized for a month for kidney and heart problems.
“Antonio Lima dos Santos left his eternal mark in the history of Santos FC. It was a multipurpose athlete who proposed, with great quality, to act in any position to help the team on the pitch,” the club published in a text in which he regretted departure of what was called the village wildcard.
“Defender or sock, side or striker, Lima was donated like few and was a great example to follow. His passion and dedication to the club remained until their last days. He made a point of participating in all events and actions as One of the eternal idols, especially to be close to the fans. Its legacy has been performed with great polyvalence, and will never be forgotten, “the association added.
Santos has established an official seven-day mourning, with half-end flag. The funeral will start at 10 pm on Monday, at the club’s marble hall. The cremation will take place on Tuesday, at 11am, at the Ecumenical Necropolis of Santos.
Born in São Sebastião do Paraíso, Minas Gerais, Lima arrived in Sao Paulo and defended amateur teams until he caught the attention of Juventus, where he began his professional career. Observed by coach José Carlos Bauer, the Maracanã giant, was promoted to the main team as side.
He was on the field as an opponent on the day Pelé scored the one who is regarded as his most beautiful goal, on August 2, 1959, setting three opponents. In 1961, he joined forces with the king and moved to Santos, after nomination of coach Lula, where he stayed until 1971.
While stacking titles, he became known as Curinga da Vila, because of its ease in acting in different positions. In the achievements alvinegras in the World 1962 and 1963, for example, he acted in midfield, a sector he also occupied in the Brazilian team, at the 1966 World Cup.
Lima won by Santos, among other tournaments, seven Paulista Championship titles (1961/1962/1964/1967/1967/1969), three of Rio-São Paulo (1963/1964/1966), four Brazilians (BRAZIL 1961 Cups 1961 /1962/1963/1964/1965 and Robertão 1968), two Libertadores Cups (1962/1963) and two worlds (1962/1963).
There were 692 matches with the alvinegra shirt, a number that leaves him behind only Pelé, Zito and Pepe. Scored 63 goals. The multipurpose athlete also defended Jalisco Guadalajara-Mex, Fluminense, Lid Bay Rowdies-Eu and Portuguese Santista. With the shirt of the Brazilian team, he entered the field 18 times and scored six goals.
The career of a player ended, he remained close to Santos and had several positions in the club. He served as coordinator and coach in the grassroots categories.
