A former Brazilian football star who fell into drug addiction on the streets after being the top scorer in the Copa do Brasil has been found dead and three men have been arrested for his murder.
Former Brazilian star Valdiram Caetano de Morais, 36, known simply as Valdiram, was reportedly found dead in the streets of the Santana area of the city of Sao Paulo.
Three men were arrested for his murder, one of them has since been released because of a lack of evidence of his participation in Valdiram’s death. The other two remain in custody.
Local media report Valdiram had been battling alcoholism and drug addiction for over 10 years and had reportedly been living on the streets.
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The ex-striker shot to stardom in Brazil during his time with top-flight side Vasco da Gama, where he played alongside Brazilian icon Romario.
Valdiram signed for the Rio de Janeiro side in 2006 and scored 14 goals in 32 games, including finishing as the top scorer at the 2006 Copa do Brasil with seven goals.
Reports state he soon began to miss training sessions and ran into disciplinary issues at the club before his contract was suspended because of his behaviour.
He then became a journeyman, playing for 20 more teams in 10 years, including a spell in Qatar with Al-Shamal Sports Club.
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He was found living on the streets of Rio de Janeiro in early 2018 and Vasco de Gama moved to contact the Department of Social Services and have him admitted to a rehabilitation clinic.
Local media report he was discharged from the clinic in June but went back to living on the streets and relapsed.
His body underwent an autopsy with the Institute of Legal Medicine and the investigation into his death is ongoing.
