Zico gives his word of support to the 'Força Zé Carlos' campaign

Arthur Antunes Coimbra, the greatest idol in Flamengo's history, writes on his website: "All I can say at this moment is 'Strength, Zé Grandão'."

By - in 14/07/2009 às 20:27

In a text published today on his personal website, CSKA coach Arthur Antunes Coimbra, Zico, endorses Flamengo's campaign "Força, Zé Carlos", in favor of the club's former goalkeeper, who he was a teammate of in the second half of the 80s.

Zico recalls his time with Zé Carlos, especially the moments in the training camp. "We formed a good partnership in table football, when Aílton wasn't there, always trying to disrupt the game so Bebeto and Zinho wouldn't win. We grew closer during training camp, and a friendship that lasts to this day," he comments.

The Russian club's coach also explains why he was avoiding making a public statement about the incident. "It was difficult to see our 1987 champion goalkeeper so down, several pounds lighter. He always managed to stay in shape. His family, however, asked us not to publicize the story," he explains.

Quintino's Galinho also expresses his support for the campaign. "Now, here in Russia, I've learned about a campaign to raise funds for Zé in his fight against cancer and also to encourage people to leave him messages of encouragement. It's a well-deserved initiative, and one that has my support. I've already visited the "Força, Zé Carlos" website and invite everyone to visit http://mkt.flamengo.com.br/hotsite/zecarlos/. Zé really needs all our support to get through this, the most difficult defense he'll ever have to face," he emphasizes.

Finally, Zico invites everyone to participate in the campaign. "All I can say right now is 'Stay strong, Zé Grandão.' There are at least 30 million people rooting for your recovery, praying for you."

Read the full text on the Zico na Rede website: http://www.ziconarede.com.br/portal/znr/colunas.php?pa=892

New testimonials - Adílio and Rondinelli, two legends of Flamengo's history, are the authors of the new statements of solidarity with Zé Carlos. See more in Testimonies on the website http://mkt.flamengo.com.br/hotsite/zecarlos/ .

How to help - To help the family with their medical treatment, interested parties can make deposits of any amount to the savings account number 5947-9, branch 2905, at Caixa Econômica Federal, held by Davi de Abreu Fraga Araújo, the player's son. The funds will be managed by Zé Carlos or his authorized representatives. Davi de Abreu Fraga Araújo's CPF (Individual Taxpayer Registry) is 144.489.247-93 (for those wishing to make online deposits), and the Transaction Code is 013 (Savings).