Former footballer Jorginho's cousin missing in Rio collapse

Jan 27, 2012, 19:43 GMT

Rio de Janeiro - Former Brazil right-back Jorginho, who played for Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich among other clubs, was directly affected by the collapse of three buildings in Rio de Janeiro.

A cousin of Jorginho's wife, identified only as Gustavo, was still missing as the search continued for bodies in the rubble aftger Wednesday's collapse.

Jorginho, who served as Carlos Dunga's assistant coach with Brazil during the 2010 World Cup and was a member of the 1994 world champion squad, made the announcement on Twitter on Friday.

'In the tragedy in the centre of Rio, Gustavo, my wife's cousin, was there. Let us pray for a miracle. Friends, join our prayers, thank you!' he tweeted.

Jorginho's relative is among at least 15 people believed to be missing in the rubble of three buildings that collapsed late Wednesday, which has so far claimed nine lives.

Jorginho is currently coach of the Japanese club Kashima Antlers, and is a born-again Christian.

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