Although several Brazilians now succeed in the Premier League, things didn’t use to happen so naturally 30 years ago.
Mirandinha made the move from Palmeiras to Newcastle United back in 1987, and spent an unforgettable time at the club, being the first Brazilian to play in the English top tier.
He’s featured in a TV show on Friday saying his time with the Magpies was his peak, and recalled some of the great moments he made in England.
But unfortunately, the reason he was interviewed is that he’s going through a hard time. The ex-striker is having huge financial problems and hasn’t even been able to pay his rent in the city of São João da Boa Vista, which is located 230km from São Paulo.
Bandeirantes ran a story on ‘Aqui na Band’ showing he’s been living with a friend, and has been struggling to get any money.
His wife and youngest son went to Manaus, in the North of Brazil, to take care of Mirandinha’s mother in law, who was sick. She died a few months ago, but they couldn’t get back to their home because he had no conditions to look after them all.
Mirandinhas has had many problems with his family. His older daughter died a couple of years ago and he couldn’t get to her funeral. And his other daughter hasn’t spoken to him since 2007.
Bandeirantes did what they could to help him. One of their sponsors gave him a check of R$15k (£3.2k). The other one offered him a job as an insurance broker, giving him a computer and a phone for him to work. They also brought his wife and son back to live with him.
But since Mirandinha has serious debt, it’s hard to believe this money will last so long. Also, a 60-year-old won’t suddenly learn a new profession with a lot of technology involved.
With the strength of the British pound over the Brazilian real, Newcastle United could certainly help Mirandinha to have a decent life in his city with about £400 a month. That wouldn’t hurt the club and would mean a huge assistance to a man who made history at the club.
At the end of the show, Band also had to tell Mirandinha that his daughter did not accept to meet him again. But he says it’s fine, prompting more upset in the studio.
