5 legends who unexpectedly played for smaller clubs

#4 Socrates - Fiorentina

Socrates'(right) only adventure in Europe was with Fiorentina

One of the greatest Brazilians never to win the World Cup was undoubtedly Socrates. The Brazilian legend played for some of the biggest clubs in his native country which included the likes of Botafogo, Corinthians, Flamengo and Santos.

However, Dr Socrates had just one season away from his native Brazil and that was bizarrely at Serie A side Fiorentina during the 1984-85 season. Overall, he had a decent outing in this only season in Europe. He made 29 appearances for the Viola and scored 9 goals in all competitions.

The great Brazilian was overshadowed by the diminutive Argentinian in Diego Maradona. Socrates was only able to guide Fiorentina to a 9th place finish. The attacking midfielder could only score 6 goals in Serie A, and would leave the club after just one season which went trophyless.

Socrates soon felt homesick and returned back to his native Brazil, joining Flamengo first and then signing for Santos a year later.

The great Socrates returned to Botafogo in 1989 and retired from football that very year without playing a single game for them.