Fred called it “the most beautiful love story”. He left the Stade de Gerland for the Laranjeiras because, while was out injured, a youngster named Karim Benzema had deputised at the Lyon spearhead and made himself non-droppable.

“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life,” said an awestruck Fred of the reception the Fluminense fans gave him in 2009. “I’ve got goosebumps.”

When he was ruled out for three months, midway through the Brasileirão, Flu freefell. When Fred returned, they were rock bottom and had, mathematically, a 99 per cent of relegation. ‘Don Fredón’, in one of the most remarkable shows of escapism, copied the keys to Alcatraz and guided the men in burgundy, white and green stripes to safety.

The following season he inspired them to their first championship crown in 26 years. Another Brasileirão title followed in 2012. He finished as the competition’s leading marksman on three occasions – a feat achieved only by Dada Maravilha, Tulio and Romario – within five campaigns. The Teofilo Otoni native hit 172 goals in 288 games, ripping up record after record in the process, before spending four years in his native Minas Gerais.

Fred returned to Fluminense in 2020 and, two years later, enjoyed one of the most spectacular and emotional farewells in South American football history.