'Every day I cry alone' - Cafu on the death of his son for the first time

Brazilian football idol Cafu, who played in four World Cups for his country, has spoken for the first time since the death of his son Danilo.

His son passed away after suffering a heart attack at just 30 years of age while playing football.

In an interview with Veja magazine, the legendary right-back spoke about what his life has been like since the tragic incident took place.

"Danilo was on my team and, after half time he was substituted off while I kept playing," Cafu said as he explained what happened.

"Three minutes later I noticed a commotion.

"Out of curiosity, I went to see what was happening and I found my son suffering seizures.

"I panicked because he had a history of cardiac issues.

"When we arrived at the hospital, after half an hour a doctor called me.

"I told him 'you don't need to say anything, I can see that he is not responding'.

"I stood praying and asking God not to take my child.

"It was not possible."

Cafu went on to talk about the pain of losing a child.

"The emotion of burying a child cannot be compared to anything else that you have felt throughout your life," he said.

"Every five days I go to the cemetery to visit his grave.

"I haven't accepted it yet, I haven't had the courage to enter his room.

"My son Wellington recovered some of his things and donated them.

"I have never gone to the pitch where the incident happened.

"The death of a son haunts a father and a mother for the rest of their lives.

"Every day I cry alone.

"When I enter the house, I try to be strong.

"After all, I am the pillar of the family.

"I cry when I'm driving and call my friends just to cry.

"They know it and remain silent, then I cry and cry and cry.

"Crying relieves the pain. "