Rio de Janeiro, Nov 11 (IANS) Former Brazil international midfielder Juninho admitted he may have played his last match after suffering a groin injury during the first half of Vasco da Gama’s 2-2 draw with Santos.
The 38-year-old former Lyon star limped off the Sao Januario stadium Sunday in the 10th minute of a match that saw Vasco overturn a 0-2 deficit to climb out of the Campeonato Brasileiro relegation zone, reports Xinhua.
Santos pair Bruno Peres and Gustavo Henrique gave Santos a flying start before Edmilson and Andre scored either side of half time to salvage a point for the Rio club.
“I would say that it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to come back this year,” Juninho said after the match.
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“I may have played my last game. I need to see how I am able to cope with trying to start again next year.”
Juninho has struggled with injuries since returning to Vasco in July after an ill-fated six-month spell with the New York Red Bulls.
The free-kick specialist, who played in each of Lyon’s seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2008, preferred to deflect the focus on his injury by praising Vasco’s home fans.
“Without their support we could have been thrashed,” he said.
“The fans know we are going through a tough period and I hope their support can push us in the last five matches.”
In other fixtures Sunday Internacional beat Botafogo 2-1, Atletico Paranaense defeated Sao Paulo 3-0, Cruzeiro overcame Gremio 3-0, Vitoria outclassed Ponte Preta 3-0, Corinthians beat Fluminense 1-0 and Criciuma eclipsed Nautico 1-0.
