Brasilia, Aug 17 (IANS/EFE): Retired Brazilian soccer player and coach Jorge Mario Lobo Zagallo, the only man in the history of football to win the world championship four times, was held up early Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro, but his fame saved him from having his car stolen.

Police inspector Daniela Terra said that the assault occurred in the Botafogo neighbourhood as the 80-year-old Zagallo was returning home with his wife and son.

Zagallo's car, with him at the wheel, was blocked by another vehicle with four armed men inside, who then threatened the former national team coach with handguns - but when they saw who it was they chose not to steal his car.

But the assailants did steal a gold chain, a watch and other personal items belonging to his son, Terra told the media.

Coincidentally, the robbery took place very near the seat of the Botafogo club, for which Zagallo played during most of his soccer career.

Zagallo played on Brazil's 1958 and 1962 World Cup-winning teams, coached the 1970 squad and was coordinator of the team that won the title in 1994.