Francis Ajuonuma with the agency reports
The football fraternity was thrown into mourning yesterday following the demise of one of the greatest footballers of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known as Pele.
The football icon died at the age of 82 after months of battle with colon cancer.
After his demise was made public, ex-players, coaches, artists, athletes, politicians paid their tribute to the iconic Brazilian, who was among those that made football the king of sports and the beautiful game.
Among them include England legend and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, who called him “the most divine of footballers and joyous of men.”
Lineker tweeted: “Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.”
Michael Owen also tweeted: “A sad day for football around the world. Brazilian legend and three times World Cup winner Pele has passed away at the age of 82. Rest in peace Edson Arantes do Nascimento.”
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Geoff Hurst wrote: “I have so many memories of Pele, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside). For me Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you.”
Pele’s club Santos also tweeted a picture of a crown, captioned: “Eterno.”
Usain Bolt said: “A Sporting Legend. Rest in Peace King Pele.”
And Cristiano Ronaldo posted a heartfelt message, saying: “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.”
Nigerian singer Burna Boy said: “RIP Pele. A man with a strong legacy that will be remembered forever. Legends Never Die they are always Remembered in the hearts of the People.”
Labour MP David Lammy tweeted: “Pele was peerless. Inspiring young people from the favelas of Brazil to the well to do suburbs of Europe that they too can be brilliant. I hope he is doing rainbow flicks in heaven.”
Jose Mourinho also wrote: “In 2005 I received the BBC award directly from the king’s hands, and to this day it’s one of my proudest moments.
“I was so so happy to have him in Manchester where we had such a nice chat and nice time, and even more at a Hublot event where we really had a good laugh. Rest in peace King Pelé and thinking of his loved ones. I am very sad.”
Posting a picture of himself with Pele, Robbie Fowler tweeted: “RIP to one of the greatest players of all time!”
And Peter Shilton wrote: “I’m so sad to hear of the loss of @Pele he was the greatest footballer ever! a true gentleman on and off the pitch R.I.P the greatest football Legend of all time.”
Dan Walker posted: “Some sporting stars inspire their team mates. Some inspire a nation and, occasionally, a generation. Every now and again… a special talent comes along who inspires every fan on earth.”
The sad news of Pele’s passing was confirmed by his manager on Thursday evening while his daughter took to Instagram to write her own tribute to her father. She said: “Everything we are is because of you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
Pele had been having treatment in hospital since November 29 for worsening colon cancer as well as heart and kidney problems. He revealed he was battling cancer in September 2021.
