'Real-life Popeye' who boasted of growing huge arms from oil injections dies aged 55

 A bodybuilder dubbed a real-life Popeye who once boasted of growing the largest arms in his native Brazil from oil injections has died aged just 55.

Arlindo de Souza had participated in TV programmes when he was younger to show off his crazy physique. Relatives linked his death on Tuesday (January 13) to kidney problems which had led to him being admitted to hospital last month in the city of Recife in north-east Brazil, near to Olinda where he hailed from.

A niece told local media: “He was hospitalised with kidney problems. One of his kidneys failed, and during Christmas week, the other one failed too.

“His lungs began to fill with fluid. He didn't even make it to haemodialysis because he went into cardiac arrest. The death certificate hasn't been issued yet, but I believe it was due to multiple organ failure.”

Weightlifter de Souza went viral around the world when his biceps measured a staggering 29 inches round. Reports at the time said his muscles, the product of a self-administered cocktail of mineral oil and alcohol, didn’t make him any stronger.

Doctors had warned him the frequent injections he used to build up his biceps could have fatal consequences or lead to abscesses that could end in amputations.

De Souza said just over a decade ago that he had lost a friend called Paulinho who had also engaged in the dangerous practice, admitting: “I felt his death a lot. He took it, I took it, but he went beyond the limit. I advise no-one to take this oil.

“I've stopped taking it, and other things as well, but there is always that will to start again. But I'm managing to control myself, to this day.”

Revealing an acquaintance at the gym he trained at offered him the mix he started injecting into his body he said: “I was working out the same so my strength stayed the same. Nothing changed.

“Most people who take it do not know how to apply it. They will use just any old blood vessel. Some will end up loosing an arm, another needs an operation, some may even lose their lives.”

De Souza started working out as a teenager with his brother, who relatives said today died after being mugged. He was single and had no children and did odd jobs as a bricklayer’s assistant.

Locals in Aguas Compridas, the neighbourhood in Olinda he lived in with his elderly mum, were paying tribute to him. One said: “Legend from Aguas Compridas. Rest in peace.”