The great Falcao finally hang his boots and played his last international match in the FIFA World Cup 2016 Colombia.
It was a sweet bitter end to one of the greatest players that Brazilian futsal has ever produced. The 39 years old forward was counting on yet another world title but it was not to be against a stubborn , classy and skillful Iranian side. Despite Falcao efforts and yet another top class performance , he was on the loosing end in one of the shock defeats of Brazil Futsal.
A teary-eyed Falcao, who scored a hat-trick against the Asian champions on Wednesday, said: “I remain very happy having finished my career with a hat-trick but unfortunately they are worth nothing.
“These goals are of no real value; they are just helping me to improve my record.
“If I was able to change everything I did in this tournament, including the goals, and be able to trade it to become world champion, I would in an instant.”
Falcao was named Best Futsal Player in the World a record four times and won the Golden Ball twice in the 2004 and 2008 World Cups.
The Iranians, however , as a show of respect and admiration consoled the great Falcao at the end of the game as he was even given a hero’s sendoff by Iran, who’s team threw him up in the air at full-time .
Despite failing to help Brazil win a sixth World Cup, Falcao admitted he was proud of what he had achieved in his career.
He added: “Even with this result, I remain hugely proud because as I end my career I know I will be remembered as a very important player in the history of futsal.
Falco was emotional at the end of the game as much as he was when he completed his hat trick. The classy touch by the Iranians players and squad left him in awe.
“I was world champion twice, I am so honoured to see how the fans view me and what I have done, as this is what is most important to me.”
Falcao, full name Alessandro Rosa Viera, played for 15 different teams in his 26-year career, including Sao Paulo football club. He is regarded as the greatest futsal player of all time and is known as the ‘Pele’ of the sport.
