A farewell match was held for former Brazil striker Adriano at his first club, Flamengo. The match took place at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Adriano, now 42, retired from professional football eight years ago. This match provided him with an opportunity to officially say goodbye.
The match featured several Brazilian football legends, including Romario, Ze Roberto, and Dida. The game was played between ‘Flamengo Legends’ and ‘Friends of Italy’.
Adriano played for both teams during the match, scoring for each side. Flamengo Legends ultimately won the match with a score of 4-3.
Adriano’s son, Adrianinho, scored the opening goal of the match. He later played alongside his father in the second half.
The match was paused during the second half. A special message from Adriano’s deceased father was played for the crowd. Artificial intelligence was used to recreate Adriano’s father’s voice. The message expressed his happiness for Adriano’s retirement.
Following the message, Adriano kissed the Flamengo badge and walked around the pitch. Play then resumed.
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“It’s a shame he couldn’t be here, but I know he’s happy with everything I learned from him,” Adriano told SporTV.
“For me the most important thing is the affection my friends have for me.”
“It’s not so much because I’m a player, it’s the affection and love that everyone has for me. It’s in my heart and I’m very happy.”
Adriano was highly regarded as one of the world’s most formidable strikers during his prime. Many believed he had the potential to become one of Brazil’s all-time greatest players.
He began his professional career with Flamengo. He later joined Inter Milan in 2001. Adriano’s time at Inter Milan was marked by success. He won four Serie A titles and two Italian Cups with the club.
Known for his powerful left-footed shots, Adriano also achieved international success. He helped Brazil win the Copa America in 2004.
His career trajectory changed following his father’s death later that year. The loss deeply affected him.
Adriano remained a starting player for Brazil in the 2006 World Cup. However, his form declined in subsequent years.
He struggled with weight and alcohol problems, which impacted his performance on the field.
Adriano left Inter Milan in 2009. He played for several other clubs including Sao Paulo, Roma, Corinthians, and his boyhood club Flamengo. He officially retired from professional football in 2016 while playing for Miami United.
Adriano has openly discussed his experiences with depression and alcoholism during and after his career.
“Do you know what it’s like to be a ‘hope’? I know it,” Adriano told the Players’ Tribune in November.
“The biggest waste in football: me. I like that word ‘waste’. I don’t do drugs, as they try to make people believe, I am not a criminal but, of course, I could have been. I drink every day.”
