Former Brazil captain Socrates has died in a Sao Paulo hospital at the age of 57, it was confirmed in his homeland on Sunday morning.

Socrates: Passes away

The Brazil legend passed away after suffering complications in his bid to recover from an intestinal problem, according to Brazilian media.

The former Brazil captain, who played for Corinthians, Botafogo, Fiorentina, Flamengo and Santos during a distinguished career was 57.

Socrates was rushed to hospital in Sao Paulo on Thursday night with a suspected case of food poisoning, but was immediately placed in intensive care after it was discovered that he had suffered a septic shock.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff Socrates lost his fight for survival and was pronounced dead at in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Socrates had already been submitted to hospital with gastrointestinal haemorrhages twice previously since August and recently admitted that his problems had been related to alcohol abuse.

The classy midfielder skippered the revered 1982 World Cup national team and struck 22 times for his country.

In 2004, more than a decade after retiring, Socrates made a shock appearance for Northern Counties East Football League side Garforth Town, coming on as a substitute against Tadcaster Albion.