Pele dies aged 82 : The world of football received bad news on Thursday as soccer great Edson Arantes do Nascimento mononymously known as Pele kicked the bucket aged 82.
The global football icon died at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Morumbi, where he was being treated of a tumour. His official Instagram account confirmed his death at the hospital from multiple organ failure, a complication of colon cancer on Thursday 29 December 2022.
The world of football has since been reacting to the demise of arguably the greatest footballer in history.
Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Facebook : “My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing. An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pelé”.
Lionel Messi , winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, rather posted a short message on Facebook : “Rest in peace, @pele”.
Neymar Jr. : Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pelé football was just a sport. Pelé has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment. Gave voice to the poor, blacks and mostly: Gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!
“For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pelé.” : FIFA President Gianni Infantino pays tribute.
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