Adriano overcome with emotion as AI-generated video of his late father is played during Flamengo testimonial game

Former Inter Milan and Flamengo striker Adriano was reduced to tears after organisers of his testimonial game used artificial intelligence to generate the voice of his late father.

At his peak, Adriano was destined for greatness. After coming through the ranks at Flamengo, the Brazilian forward went on to play for Parma, Fiorentina and Inter Milan, where he ultimately made his name.

He appeared to have the world at his feet as he continued to shine for the Brazil national team but in 2004, a phone call changed his life forever. Adriano was only 22 when he was told that a heart attack had taken the life of his father, Almir Leite Ribeiro.

"He kept playing football, scoring goals and pointing to the sky, dedicating them to his father," said former Inter teammate Javier Zanetti. "But after that phone call, nothing was the same."

Adriano has previously opened up about the loss of his father.

“After that day, my love for football was never the same. He loved the game, so I loved the game. It was that simple," he told The Players’ Tribune.

“It was my destiny. When I played football, I played for my family. When I scored, I scored for my family. So when my father died, football was never the same.

“I was across the ocean in Italy, away from my family, and I just couldn’t cope with it. I got so depressed, man. I started drinking a lot. I didn’t really want to train. It had nothing to do with Inter. I just wanted to go home.

“To be honest with you, even though I scored a lot of goals in Serie A over those few years, and even though the fans really loved me, my joy was gone. It was my dad, you know? I couldn’t just flip a switch and feel like myself again. Not all injuries are physical, you understand?"

"NEM CAVALO AGUENTA" 🥹

Com ajuda da Inteligência Artificial, a voz de Sr. Almir, pai de Adriano, foi recriada para uma linda homenagem ao Imperador em seu jogo de despedida no Maracanã. pic.twitter.com/YrajfMDe5p

— ge (@geglobo) December 15, 2024

Two decades on and at his long-anticipated Flamengo testimonial at the Maracana stadium, Adriano was overcome with emotional when an AI-generated message from his late father was played over the big screen.

As per Tribuna, a message said: "Remember what I told you: 'Don't give up. You can do it.' And look what worked out. You deserve all this, son. I'm very proud of you."

A number of Adriano's former teammates, including Julio Cesar, proceeded to embrace the Brazilian forward as the message played out.

"Perhaps the clip is the final solace that Adriano needed," said X user Jonas Adnan Giæver. "Perhaps it's a 'final goodbye' for him. Hopefully, this gives him the peace he deserves."

Flamengo Legends went on record a 4-3 victory over a 'Friends of Italy' side.