COLUMBUS, Ga. -- Brazilian soccer star Zico underwent delicate knee surgery at the Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital Thursday in an effort to prolong his brilliant career.
The 33-year-old midfielder, whose left knee did not heal properly from an injury a year ago, was operated upon by Dr. James Andrews, a noted orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine.
A secretary at the Hughston clinic said Zico was out of surgery Thursday night. Andrews was unavailable for comment.
Zico, the most famous soccer player of his generation in Brazil, injured his left knee in the Rio state games last year. He underwent micro-surgery but failed to fully recover and could play only briefly in the World Cup in Mexico.
He sought out Andrews in an effort to salvage his career.
'The final decision (for treatment in the United States) was exclusively mine,' Zico said. 'The only way to know for certain is to open it up and take a look.'
Zico could play again within months if the damage is limited to knee cartilage, but with ligament damage his recovery could take more than a year, Flamengo club doctor Giuseppe Taranto said.
'The operation is his only chance, although there is no guarantee Zico will play again,' Taranto said.
Zico has said he hopes to play soccer until age 40.
'If there is one thing I really know how to do well, it's play soccer,' he said.
