Zico received on Tuesday the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from Candido Mendes University, in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The Flamengo idol wore a red-and-black gown and was accompanied by a large banner from the club during the ceremony. At 73, the former player became the first athlete to receive the honor in 100 years of the institution's history, which has already granted the title to names such as former presidents Fernando Henrique Cardoso and Tancredo Neves and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Zico's sister, Maria José Antunes Coimbra, was the sponsor of the ceremony. In his speech, the eternal number 10 of Flamengo did not hide his emotion when remembering his deceased parents, Seu Antunes and Dona Matilde. He said he would have liked both of them to be alive to witness the moment, explaining that for them a university diploma was the most important thing.
Zico thanked God for the tribute received during his lifetime and maintained his characteristic laid-back style throughout the event. He made a joke saying: "Be careful now, you're talking to a doctor." The former striker also revealed that he earned a degree in Physical Education precisely to fulfill his father's wish, who insisted that his children study.
