Under flat caps and bowler hats: Garrincha

During these episodes we will take a look back at examples of mental ill health in football from yesteryear.  Today we're looking back at one of Brazil's all time greats, the man they called 'The joy of the people' and 'the angel with crooked legs', Garrincha.  A winger with a toxic mix of balletic skill and powerful running that bamboozled defenders at the 1958, and 1962 World Cups, as Garrincha, alongside Pele led Brazil to their first two World Cup victories.  But off the pitch, his life was so different. Garrincha was raised in the desolately poor suburbs of Rio De Janeiro by his alcoholic Father, following his Mother's death when he was a child. He would take that turbulent childhood into his adult life, his world a cocktail of alcoholism and failed relationships.  Eventually he succumbed to his addictions aged just 39.  To discuss Garrincha, we were joined by Andrew Downie, author of Doctor Socrates: Footballer, Philosopher, Legend Andrew translated the Garrincha biography into English, written by Ruy Castro. We were also joined by Roger Kittleson, author of The Country of Football.