Rio de Janeiro (AFP)
The Brazilian striker, former French Lyon player Fred, ended his professional career that lasted 19 years, at the age of 38, amid a standing ovation from the Fluminense fans who gathered at the legendary “Maracana” stadium.
As he entered the match in the 78th minute as a substitute for Argentine German Cano against Ceará, in the sixteenth stage of the Brazilian Football League, the international striker ended his career by winning 2-1, in his 382th match for the Rio de Janeiro region club.
The match was attended by 63,707 fans, which is the second best crowd attendance for Fluminense in the famous stadium since it was renovated in 2013, as part of the preparations for the 2014 World Cup.
After the final whistle, Fred cycled around the stadium’s track, the same bike he had used to complete the 600km run between Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro in June 2020, when he announced his return to Fluminense.
“I think it is the most humane club I have ever known in my life, not only because of the goals, victories and titles, but above all, I felt the most support when I felt bad, in moments of weakness,” Farid said.
Born on October 3, 1983 in Teofilo Otuni in the state of Minas Gerais (“southeast”), Fred made his professional debut in America Mineiro in January 2003.
He then wore the shirts of Crosero, Fluminense, Atlético Mineiro, in addition to a significant period in France at FC Lyon, from 2005 to 2009.
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