Chapecoense FC: Ten world-class veterans who could offer to play for stricken Brazilian side
By Mark Apostolou, Sports Reporter
December 06, 2016
Outside of Brazil it would be fair to say that even the most knowledgeable football fan would struggle to locate Chapecó on a map let alone have any clue as to the team that originates from Santa Catarina.
Sadly the club are now well known following the air disaster in late November that saw 71 people die, including 19 players, which essentially left Chapecoense without a playing staff.
There has been a great deal of speculation in the media in recent days detailing stars who could be ready to offer their services to Chapecoense as they attempt to complete their league campaign.
Here are ten players who could be ideal for the repairing task Chapecoense now face.
Ronaldinho
Some sources suggest that the former Barcelona star has already offered his services to Chapecoense but it’s hard to gauge just how reliable such reports are.
The hugely talented playmaker brought an end to his playing career in July 2015 but at 36 he still has something to offer and clearly the World Cup winner’s game was never really based on speed and as such still has the ability to turn a game with a blinding pass or a mazy dribble.
Kaka
The Brazilian international is currently plying his trade with MLS side Orlando City but would surely be able to convince the Florida based side to allow him to spent some time out on loan to help Chapecoense in their obvious time of need.
Juan Riquelme
The ludicrously talented Argentine is another who has been reportedly in talks to represent Chapecoense FC and is another crowd pleaser who could be just what the club needs at this juncture.
Roberto Carlos
The 43-year-old full-back recently turned out Indian Super League side Delhi Dynamos so despite his age the former Real Madrid star has it within him to aid Chapecoense FC.
Steven Gerrard
The former Liverpool man has just called time on his short-lived MLS career and could look to aid Chapecoense FC in their hour of need.
Eidur Gudjohnsen
The Icelandic star has plied his trade, successfully, across Europe and is another linked with Chapecoense and could certainly offer a reliable option in a number attacking options.
Didier Drogba
Now a free agent the Ivorian international is well known for his charitable nature and could find time to make a very real impact in the Brazilian league.
Emmanuel Adebayor
The Togo international is without a club at present and a move to Chapecoense would go someway to show the world that the former Arsenal and Man City man is more than just a mercenary football looking to pick up another mega-bucks deal.
Anderson
The former Man United man’s career has stalled since leaving Old Trafford in 2015 and when he first arrived at Internacional the midfielder received a great deal of abuse and could do well to start afresh and why not do so at Chapecoense?
Alexandre Pato
The 27-year-old has seen his career stutter since his AC Milan days and got his career back on track in Brazil before moving to Villarreal in the summer but is by no means a regular, maybe a move back to his homeland would be the right move at this stage of his career.
