It was through a very dirty story that we rediscovered this Tuesday the existence of a former Brazilian international who played in our Ligue 1. It is about Marcelinho Carioca, three caps (and two goals) with the Seleçao, short-lived AC Ajaccio midfielder between July 2004 and January 2005 (two goals in ten L1 matches). Now aged 52, he was in fact kidnapped and held captive for several hours by his captor(s), before being released Monday afternoon in Sao Paulo.
Found safe and sound, Marcelinho Carioca had been reported missing, according to the Brazilian press, after participating in a concert at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on Sunday. His vehicle was abandoned nearby on Monday. “Marcelinho was found walking on a street in Itaquaquecetuba, near where his car was identified. He was released by the kidnapper and he is now going to the police station,” the Executive Secretary of Public Security explained on Monday.
Five suspects (three men and two women) have been arrested since the disappearance of the former professional footballer, and two witnesses are being questioned. In a video circulating on social networks, we see Marcelinho claiming that he was kidnapped by the husband of a woman with whom he allegedly had a relationship.