Brasilia: Soccer stars, heads of state and fans were shocked to learn about football king Pele’s death on Thursday night. Cutting across borders, they expressed their admiration for the great player and expressed their profound grief over his demise.
Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo said, “A simple goodbye to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that hits the entire world of football at this moment. An inspiration for so many millions, a reference of yesterday, today, and always. The affection he has always shown for me was reciprocal in every moment we shared, even at distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will last forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace, King Pelé,” Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese soccer star.
“Your place is on God’s side. My eternal king. Rest in peace.” 1970 World Cup winner Roberto Rivellino and teammate of Pele on the Brazilian national team.
“Before Pelé, ’10′ was just a number. I read that somewhere at some point in my life. I would say that before Pelé football was just a sport. Pelé changed everything. He transformed football into art and entertainment. He gave voice to the poor, to the Black and above all, he gave Brazil visibility. Football and Brazil elevated their standing thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will endure. Pelé is eternal!” said Brazilian star Neymar.
“For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible. Today, Jill and I’s thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him,” reacted US President Joe Biden.
“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING,” French player Kylian Mbappé said in his condolence message.
“Football lost the greatest in its history today – and I a unique friend. Born in Três Corações, Pelé had three hearts: for football, for his family, and for all people. One who played with the stars and always remained grounded. In 1977, I went to the United States because I really wanted to play in a team with Pelé at the New York Cosmos,” reacted German star Franz Beckenbauer.
“Pelé had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world. His legacy is impossible to summarise in words. Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pelé, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.
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