In 1994, the wild-eyed Brazilian forward Edmundo made two brief appearances for Parma – without ever setting foot in Italy.
Nicknamed O Animal, a moniker that requires no translation, Edmundo was a player of contradictions. He was an electrifying talent – blessed with skill, pace and dribbling ability – but his fiery temperament frequently led to chaos both on and off the pitch. This proclivity for indiscipline led to a string of controversies, disputes, and even brushes with the law.
In an early example of his tendency for self-sabotage, the 23-year-old had fallen out with his coach, Vanderlei Luxemburgo. That had cost him a place in a Palmeiras squad that was on the verge of sealing both state and national championships. More painful still, his exclusion had extinguished any faint hopes of making Brazil’s squad for that summer’s World Cup.
Whilst contemplating his actions on the beaches of south Rio, Edmundo received a surprise phone call from his agent with a proposition from Parma. The Italians had travelled to South America for a post-season tour without their World Cup stars, and were hoping to bolster their squad for the exhibition matches.
The connection was facilitated by Parmalat, the dairy conglomerate that owned both Parma and Palmeiras, and a deal was quickly struck: Edmundo would join the Italian club’s tour as a guest player. It was a temporary arrangement, but one that generated immediate media speculation about a possible transfer to the Emilian club.
The player, however, was quick to quash any rumors of a permanent move. “I’m going to play in this friendly because I haven’t been playing in Brazil. It’s not like I’m going there permanently,” he said.
Edmundo boarded a flight to Bogota, where he would pull on the white shirt of Parma, leading the line in a friendly match against the Colombian national team. Despite Parma trailing 1-0 at halftime, it was Edmundo who brought the Italians level shortly after the break. A long ball forward was expertly controlled by the Brazilian before he calmly slotted it home from the edge of the area. Edmundo wheeled away in delight, presumably hoping that Luxemburgo was watching on back home.
Colombia went on to win the game 3-1, with Carlos Valderrama scoring the goal that sealed victory for the hosts.
Edmundo remained with the Parma squad as they travelled to Brazil for their next test against Juventude. Edmundo started the game, but was withdrawn at half time as the visitors fell to another 3-1 defeat, marking the end of Edmundo’s fleeting association with Parma.
Later that summer, Edmundo had to watch from the sidelines as Brazil triumphed in the World Cup, a painful reminder of the opportunity he had missed. He was reintegrated back into the Palmeiras squad early the following season. In 1998, he finally made his move to Italy, signing for Fiorentina – a saga of its own, which we’ll save for another day.
Calcio England 