BRAZIL’S Christ the Redeemer statue was illuminated in green and yellow last night as the nation mourns the death of Pele.
Three days of mourning have been announced by President Jair Bolsonaro after the football legend’s death yesterday.
Grieving fans were seen reacting to news that the greatest player in history had died.
He passed away due to multiple organ failure as a result of colon cancer, it emerged last night.
He had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.
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Pele leaves his third wife Marcia Aoki and six children.
As Brazil grieves, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was lit up with the colours of the Brazilian flag in tribute to Pelé.
Devastated fans have been seen breaking down in public as they process the death.
A man was seen breaking down in tears outside Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo where Pele passed away.
Fan Marcio Da Silva paid tribute to his hero by laying a Brazilian flag in front of the Maracana stadium, in Rio de Janeiro.
Back in the UK, Wembley Stadium’s arch has been lit up in the colours of Brazil.
Brazilian media say that Pele’s wake will be held on Monday at Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos, after Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is inaugurated as Brazil’s 39th president on Sunday.
Pele will then be laid to rest at 10am on Tues after a procession.
The planning of his funeral is being compared to that of the Queen’s ‘Operation London Bridge’.
Meanwhile, Pele’s daughter has shared the poignant final photo taken of the star player after he died.
She wrote: “Everything we are is thanks to you we love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
Mourners all around the world are sharing their favourite memories of the football legend.
Pele, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, won three World Cups with Brazil between 1958 and 1970, the only player in football history to achieve the feat.
World leaders, sporting greats and celebrities have flocked to social media to join fans who are sharing their condolences.
President Biden took to Twitter to say: “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.”
Former president Bill Clinton shared: “Pelé was not only a football legend but also a humanitarian and global icon.
“He used his platform to empower disenfranchised children and inspire generations around the world. We give thanks for his life and legacy.”
Gary Lineker said: “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.”
England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst tweeted: “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.”
World Cup finalist, and winner in 2018, Kylian Mbappe said: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP King.”
Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt tweeted: “A sporting legend. Rest in Peace King Pele.”
Brazil’s current golden boy Neymar wrote: “Before Pele, 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 Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment.
“He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!”
Cristiano Ronaldo put on social media: “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 Pele 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 Pele.”
Lionel Messi’s post was short but sweet, reading: “Rest in peace Pele.”
Pele’s official Twitter account said: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
