Sao Paulo, Dec 4 (IANS): Former Brazil soccer legend Socrates, the skipper of the 1982 World Cup squad, died Sunday of an intestinal infection. He was aged 57.

Socrates, who captained the 1982 squad widely regarded as the best Brazilian side never to have won the World Cup, was taken to the hospital late Friday after suffering food poisoning, Xinhua reported.

He had been in critical condition in an intensive care unit, breathing with the help of a ventilator, according to a statement by the Albert Einstein hospital.

Socrates was twice hospitalized in intensive care in the last few months, the last time in September. Both times he was admitted for a hemorrhage caused by high pressure in the vein that carries blood from the digestive system to the liver.

Socrates has acknowledged being a heavy drinker, even when he starred as a player in the 1980s.

Socrates was above average both on and off the field. He became a doctor after retiring from soccer and later became a popular TV commentator and columnist, always with unique and controversial opinions. He never denied his fondness to drinking, from the time he was a player until his final days, the AP said.

Socrates was included in FIFA's list of the best 125 living soccer players in the world, a list compiled by countryman Pele. Socrates played 63 matches with the national team, scoring 25 goals.

He was known for his great vision on the field. Always clever with the ball on his feet, his trademark move was his back-heel pass, and he set up and scored many goals with it throughout his career.

Socrates briefly coached and played for Garforth Town in England in 2004.