By Devraj, Goa: Once famous for displaying stylish performance on the ground, the Footballer Menino Caldeira, who today suffers from Gangrene, was recently picked up from the streets by the Goa Football association.
Caldeira was the cynosure of all sports-lovers in the seventies and early eighties. During the peak of his career he was even named as the Goan Pele. Now, deserted by family and friends, Calderia is compelled to beg in the streets of Goa even for managing a two square meals. Suffering from Gangrene, with both of his feet bandaged, Calderia is leading a life of misery.Today, he is awaiting surgery at the Goa Medical College. There are always some black sheep among football players. Most footballers take care of their health, try and save some money, so that they can lead a happy retired life. Here, this person has not taken care of his health and thats why hes in such a condition, said Savio Messias , Secretary, Goa Football Association. Born in Santa Cruz, Ponda, Calderia was popularly known as Hampri. He played for Salgaocars, Vasco and Dempo, and Morarji Mills and Piramal Mills in Mumbai. His dribbling, body feints, free kicks and one-touch football were a class apart. http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=9360
