Former Brazil international Socrates insists his appearance for the amateur team Garforth Town will only be a one-off, while old team-mate Careca admits it is unlikely he will play for the non-league side.
Garforth Town owner and manager Simon Clifford has arranged for the 50-year-old Socrates to feature for his club against Tadcaster Albion on November 20.
Clifford organised the coup as part of the Brazilian soccer schools he runs and Socrates will also help with that project, in addition to his cameo outing.
Socrates admits he is shortly due to travel to England, where he will feature in a match, but he has played down the seriousness of his appearance for Garforth.
“I really had fun with what has been said because I know that all this came from a newspaper that isn’t very serious but it is funny to see how the news has spread all over the world,” said the 50-year-old.
“I have only received an invitation to visit some football schools and to do an exhibition in them. I will only do a trip to Europe for that.
“I really don’t know how many minutes I will last during the exhibition. I will play until I can.”
Clifford also claims Socrates’ former international team-mates Careca and Zico are willing to turn out for Garforth.
“Careca has told me he will come over and play next season and Zico has told me he is going to try his best to play for Garforth,” said Clifford.
“Since we announced Socrates was coming and Zico and Careca would be on their way, we’ve had calls from Japan and the USA.”
But Careca concedes he has not heard from Clifford regarding any possible proposal and feels it will be difficult to follow his compatriot to England.
“I really don’t know anything about the invitation,” said Careca. “I heard what has been said about Socrates but nobody has been in touch with me yet.
“I haven’t received an invitation to play in English football or for any exhibition.
“Anyway, if I am invited, it will be very difficult for me to accept because I already have many things planned for those days.”
