BRAZIL are planning to pay tribute to Pele by changing three of the five stars on their shirt to hearts.
The 82-year-old has been suffering with illness and was rushed to hospital recently due to swelling over his body.
Pele has been battling with bowel cancer and is said to no longer be responding to chemotherapy.
As a result, he was put on end-of-life care earlier this month.
But the legend has since provided a positive update on his health by admitting that he is “strong” and “full of energy”.
He said on Instagram: “My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive.”
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“I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual.
“I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received.
“I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too!
“Thank you so much for everything. 🙏🏾.”
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In response, the Brazil team paid homage to him after their last-16 victory over South Korea last week by holding up a banner with his name and a photo of him lifting the World Cup.
And the Samba Boys are set to honour him once again.
That’s because they’re planning to change three of the five stars on their shirt.
The stars represent the five World Cups they’ve won, which is more than anyone else.
Three of those came with Pele in the side in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
Brazil begin the road to the 2026 World Cup in March and while the opponents of their first game haven’t been announced, it’ll give them the opportunity to wear the jersey for the first time.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
