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      ‘He turned football into art’ – Footballing world pays tribute to Brazil icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

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      NEYMAR led the tributes to ‘king’ Pele and declared: “He turned football into art.”Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known across the globe as Pele, passed away in his homeland on Thursday at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer.
      Tributes have flooded after news of Pele’s death broke around the worldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lionel Messi was among the football stars that paid tribute to Pele
      The Brazil great – regarded by many as the greatest football of all time – had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.
      And football stars and legends took to social media to pay their respects to the Santos icon and reached out to his family.
      Current Brazil superstar 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.
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      “He gave voice to the poor, to the black community and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil.
      “Football and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!”
      England legend Gary 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.
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      “He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.”
      KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AGED 82 
      Pele tributes live blog – world of football paying respects to footballing icon
      Brazil legend Pele, probably the greatest footballer of all time, passes away after cancer battle
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      Pele has three World Cup winner’s medals – no footballer can match that
      Football world pays tribute to icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

      Lionel Messi – whose own recent World Cup win with Argentina has seen him join Pele in the upper echelons of the game’s all-time list – said: “Rest in peace.”
      While Manchester United and Real Madrid great Cristiano Ronaldo posted: “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.
      Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Pele on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      Wayne Rooney also paid tribute to Pele with this photoCredit: Instagram
      Brazil superstar Neymar sang Pele’s praises with a touching postCredit: Instagram: Neymar Jr
      “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.”
      The official England Twitter account posted a picture of Pele exchanging shirts with Bobby Moore after their meeting at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
      “One of the greatest to have graced the beautiful game,” read the tweet. “Farewell, Pele. You will never be forgotten.”
      And England’s 1966 here 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.”
      The next generation of global striking superstars were also quick to post their tributes.
      Paris Saint-Germain and France star Kylian Mbappe said: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.”
      While Manchester City strike sensation Erling Haaland wrote: “Everything you see any player doing, Pele did it first. RIP.”
      England and United record goalscorer Wayne Rooney wrote: “Rest in peace Pele. Legend.”
      United great Rio Ferdinand said: “The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!
      Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe paid his respects after Pele’s deathCredit: Instagram

      “I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him – equally rewarding. The player, The man, The icon.”
      Cafu posted: “He will never be forgotten.”
      Liverpool icon Ian Rush wrote: “A very sad day for football.
      “An icon and a true great of the game who touched millions around the world with his football and personality will be remembered forever.
      “Rest in peace, Pele. My thoughts are with his family.”
      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. pic.twitter.com/oCpQlw7EIK— Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) December 29, 2022

      Fans from around the world also took to social media to express their condolences.
      This supporter tweeted: “One of the GOATs just died. RIP Pele.”

      Another fan posted: “The football world has lost a legend. Rest in peace Pele.”
      A third commented: “The original GOAT. A trailblazer. One of the finest players to ever lace up. He will be missed by millions.” More

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      Pele won THREE World Cup winner’s medals – no player in the history of football can match that

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      NO player in the history of the World Cup can match Pele’s record of THREE winner’s medals.But his highs were matched by painful lows in a rollercoaster ride spanning 12 years.
      Pele and Jairzinho celebrate winning the 1970 World CupCredit: Rex
      A 17-year-old Pele with the Jules Rimet trophy in 1958Credit: Paris Match – Getty
      KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AGED 82 
      Pele tributes live blog – world of football paying respects to footballing icon
      Brazil legend Pele, probably the greatest footballer of all time, passes away after cancer battle
      Pele’s daughter shares heartbreaking final photo of football legend in hospital bed
      Pele has three World Cup winner’s medals – no footballer can match that
      Football world pays tribute to icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

      The Pele World Cup story began in fairytale style in 1958 as Brazil won the Jules Rimet trophy for the first time.
      The 17-year-old rookie, who had never travelled by plane before, thought his selection for the trip to Sweden was a MISTAKE.
      But he became the youngest player ever at a World Cup and, after missing the first two games with a knee injury, scored six goals in four appearances.
      His haul included a semi-final treble against France and two in the final against the hosts.
      READ MORE PELE NEWS
      The wonderkid sobbed on the King of Sweden’s shoulder during the post-match celebrations.
      His next two World Cups, though, would be anything but a fairytale.
      He did add a second winner’s medal in Chile in 1962 but was injured in the second game, ruling him out of the rest of the tournament.
      Yet he played his part by helping his inexperienced replacement.
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      After scoring twice in the decisive group victory over Spain, Amarildo said: “I felt a bit daunted at the responsibility of replacing Pele — but he encouraged me in a gesture I will never forget.
      “He told me, ‘In 1958, I started as a reserve but came into the team and kept my place as we became champions. Now it is your time.’”
      Pele – who passed away on Thursday aged 82 – hoped to make it a hat-trick of triumphs four years later in England but the campaign turned into a disaster as Brazil went out at the group stage.
      The Santos superstar scored a brilliant free-kick in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win over Bulgaria.
      Pele got his hands on the World Cup in 1962 despite being injured for the finalCredit: Empics

      He then endured some brutal treatment and a knee injury ruled him out of the next game  — a shock defeat by Hungary.
      Pele was passed fit for the crunch game against Portugal but a savage foul by Joao Morais meant he was a passenger for much of Brazil’s decisive 3-1 defeat.
      Pele, disgusted at his treatment and a lack of protection from refs, announced he would not play at another World Cup.
      He complained: “I’m not bitter in defeat, only that I haven’t been allowed to play football. Ideal football became impossible.”
      Regaining the world title was a real priority — particularly for the prestige of  Brazil’s military dictatorship.
      So the Samba king was persuaded to change his mind for Mexico 70.
      But he struggled for full fitness and form as the finals approached.
      Coach Joao Saldanha even planned to drop him — one of the main reasons he was sacked just ten weeks before the finals.
      I had an appointment with myself to win this trophy again. Now I’m done.Pele after 1970 World Cup win
      Pele revealed: “After one match in which I was booed, I cried when I got home. I had lost my football and I was worried.
      “When I was desperate to get things right, everything went wrong.”
      Mario Zagallo, Pele’s team-mate from the 1958 and 1962 finals, took charge and stood by him even after he missed TWO penalties in a  goalless draw against Bulgaria in one of Brazil’s final warm-up games before leaving for Mexico.
      Pele did not let Zagallo down, starring in all six games — and scoring four times to take his tally to 12 in 14 World Cup appearances.
      Now 29, Pele was at the peak of his powers and it was fitting he should score the opener in the 4-1 final victory over Italy.
      He confirmed it would be his last World Cup and said: “Even in 1958 I didn’t feel so happy.
      “I had an appointment with myself to win this trophy again. Now I’m done.

      “For me, this title has more value than all the others. In 1958, I was a boy without any pressure.
      “This one was different. If I lost, I would never be the same Pele.”
      Pele returned to complete the treble in 1970Credit: Alamy More

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      World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll flaunts incredible curves in revealing Croatia-inspired outfit in New York

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      THE World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll set pulses racing on the streets of New York City.The Croatian model shot to fame thanks to her appearances at the World Cup in Qatar.
      Ivana Knoll took her iconic Croatia look to the streets of New York CityCredit: Splash
      Knoll’s fame skyrocketed thanks to her red and white chequered outfitsCredit: Splash
      The Croatian stunner was one of the stars of the World CupCredit: Getty
      She attended every Croatia gameCredit: Getty
      Knoll caught the attention of fans in Qatar and across the worldCredit: The Mega Agency
      The former Miss Croatia travelled to America after the World CupCredit: Splash
      The model has 3.6million Instagram followersCredit: PA
      Knoll was dubbed the World Cup’s sexiest fanCredit: Getty
      She attended every game Croatia played dressed in the colours of her country – red and white checks.
      Ivana captured the attention of the locals and millions on social media thanks to her good looks and flawless figure.
      And she has also turned heads in the Big Apple after travelling to America for the festive period.
      The former Miss Croatia visited the Buzzfeed studios for an interview with the media company, wearing her iconic red and white chequered top and red leggings.
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      The Croat, 30, also took in the sights of Times Square and went shopping at Louis Vuitton.
      It comes days after Ivana treated her followers to a Boxing Day poolside snap in a slinky low-back turquoise dress that she was nearly bursting out of along with diamante stilettos.
      The social media influencer was one of the stars of the World Cup..
      Now she has 3.6m followers on Instagram, underlining how much her fame has skyrocketed.
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      Ivana’s costumes have gone down a storm from her sexy bikinis to her beautiful dresses.
      Red bras, G-strings, chequered tops and tight leggings have all been on show as she turned up to games in new attire.
      In doing so she sparked controversy as many think her choice of flesh-flashing outfits break Qatar’s modesty laws.
      However, the supporter never feared the local police and claimed her dress sense did not hurt anyone. More

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      Kylian Mbappe FINALLY breaks silence on Emi Martinez’s World Cup taunts with brutal putdown after last-gasp PSG winner

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE says Emilano Martinez’s “futile” World Cup taunts have not bothered him.The Argentinian keeper called for a minute’s silence for the French superstar when celebrating their final penalty shootout victory earlier this month.
      Kylian Mbappe was mercilessly trolled by Emi Martinez after France lost the World Cup finalCredit: REX
      Martinz taunted the France hitman by holding a baby with a picture of his face on it during the wild celebrationsCredit: @ESPNFC
      But the PSG star has refused let Martinez’s actions get to himCredit: REX
      He even posed with a doll carrying a picture of Mbappe’s face when parading the World Cup trophy in Buenos Aires.
      When asked about the Aston Villa’s goalkeeper’s antics, Mbappe, 24, said: “Celebrations are not my problem.
      “I do not waste energy on such futile things.
      “What’s important for me is to give the best of myself for my club.”
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      Martinez was also criticised for making a crude gesture with his trophy after being named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
      Former French defender Adil Rami branded him the “most hated” man in France while politician Karl Olive called for Fifa to rescind his keeper award.
      The 30-year-old reported back for Villa training today and boss Unai Emery vowed to speak to him about his actions.
      The Villa gaffer said: “When you have big emotions, it is sometimes difficult to control them.
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      “I will speak with him (Martinez) next week about some celebrations, but I respect that he is now with his national team.
      “When he’s with us, under our responsibility, we can speak about it.”
      But Mbappe – who scored a hattrick in the final – claims Martinez’s taunts have not caused any issues with PSG teammate Lionel Messi.
      He added: “I talked with Messi after the match, I congratulated him.
      “’It was a life’s goal for him, for me as well, but I failed, so you must always remain a good sportsman.
      “Personally, I will never get over losing the final.
      “But my club is not responsible for this failure of our team, so I’ve tried to return with the most positive energy possible.” More

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      ‘He could teach you how to treat women’ – Di Maria’s wife slams Adil Rami over Pamela Anderson as Martinez row hots up

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      ANGEL DI MARIA’S wife Jorgelina Cardozo has hit out at Adil Rami as their row over Argentina keeper Emi Martinez rumbles on.Martinez, 30, sparked controversy at the World Cup final after putting his Golden Glove trophy on his crotch and girating.
      Angel Di Maria and wife Joreglina Cardozo slammed Adil Rami after he criticised Emi MartinezCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Cardozo defended Di Maria after he was mocked by RamiCredit: Getty
      Cardozo attacked former France star Rami over his past relationship with Pamela AndersonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Martinez taunted Kylian Mbappe by holding a baby doll with his face onCredit: @ESPNFC
      The goalkeeper also mocked Kylian Mbappe by clutching a baby doll with his face on it during the bus parade celebrations in Buenos Aires.
      That sparked a backlash from former France star Adil Rami, 37, who insulted Martinez in response.
      He said: “The biggest son of a b**** in football. The most hated man.”
      Di Maria, 34, was quick to defend his team-mate Martinez, saying: “El Dibu [Martinez] is the best goalkeeper in the world. Go cry elsewhere.”
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      Rami then responded again, tweeting: “Can you teach me?”, showing four pictures of Di Maria himself crying with the captions: “When you lose”, “when you win”, “when you leave a club”, “when you see this tweet”.
      That jibe enraged Cardozo, 40, who slammed Rami on several fronts – including over his past relationship with Pamela Anderson.
      She said: “Angel [Di Maria] could teach you how to cry, how to treat women better and score goals on finals. Happy new year, genius.”
      Cardozo was referencing Pamela’s claim that she was “scammed” by the footballer, saying Rami had “hurt” and “threatened” her many times.
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      She also said she hired a bodyguard because he “scares” her.
      The 55-year-old said throughout the relationship he was controlling and alleged he had cheated with his ex Sidonie Biémont.
      The Barb Wire actress also shared a video of herself having her hands bandaged after Rami allegedly “crushed them”.
      Rami has previously denied her allegations as “completely false” and said he was “incapable of doing such things”. More

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      ‘So sexy’ – Pep Guardiola says Kalvin Phillips has the ‘perfect body’ as he makes light of Man City star’s weight issue

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      PEP GUARDIOLA joked that Kalvin Phillips has the “perfect body” as he made light of player’s weight issue. The midfielder was an unused substitute in Manchester City’s return to the Premier League, beating Leeds 3-1.
      Pep Guardiola joked that Kalvin Phillips has the ‘perfect body’Credit: PA
      It followed after manager Guardiola said Phillips came back from the winter World Cup too heavy.
      He said: “He’s not injured – he arrived overweight.
      “I don’t know [why]. He didn’t arrive in the condition to do training sessions and to play.”
      The swipe appears to have motivated Phillips as his manager revealed there was a spark in his training performances.
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      And it could earn the England international a place back in City’s starting 11 when they host Everton on Saturday.
      Guardiola said: “He has the perfect body now – so sexy. We will see for the weekend.’
      “He has spent the first part of the season out with surgery to arrive for the World Cup – and did everything to get to the World Cup.
      “It’s not just about just being fit you also have to understand what we want to do, the movements etc.
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      “So that means, as quick as possible, because Rodri cannot play all the games, so as quick as possible he he will play.
      “But I’m happy that yesterday for example Kalvin trained really well and sooner or later he will play.”
      Phillips made two substitute appearances for England in Qatar, as the Three Lions were dumped out in the quarter-final.
      And he watched on from his old ground as goals from Rodri and Erling Haaland twice helped narrow Arsenal’s lead at the top to five points.
      Kalvin Phillips was an unused sub against LeedsCredit: Reuters More

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      Watch Neymar get sent off for DIVING in first game back to PSG after World Cup disappointment with Brazil

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      NEYMAR was sent off for DIVING on his return to PSG action.Just 19 days after Brazil crashed out of the World Cup, the winger took to the field against Strasbourg.
      Neymar tried to win a penalty when he went down in the boxCredit: BT Sport
      But instead he was given his second yellow card and was sent offCredit: AFP
      He appeared to get into the face of referee Clement TurpinCredit: AFP
      The Brazilian looked unhappy as he left the pitchCredit: AP
      But Neymar lasted just 63 minutes.
      He was first booked just past the hour-mark before he saw red moments later.
      With the score 1-1, after Marquinhos had scored at both ends, Neymar tried to con referee Clement Turpin.
      But his attempt at trying to win a penalty went horribly wrong as he was penalised.
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      Neymar, 30, got to the ball before the defender on right side of the box before falling to the ground.
      But he was awarded a second yellow card for simulation.
      He had been looking to make a positive return to club football following his disappointing World Cup that was overshadowed by an ankle injury.
      But instead the forward was sent off for the FIFTH time in his PSG career.
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      Fortunately for Neymar, his blushes were spared by Kylian Mbappe, who secured PSG’s sixth Ligue 1 victory on the bounce with a last-gasp penalty.
      But the Brazilian will now miss the New Year’s Day trip to Lens, who PSG lead by eight points at the top. More

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      I gave Salt Bae a gift, now I want it BACK – the way he harassed World Cup stars was so disrespectful, says ‘Curry King’

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      A RESTAURATEUR who gave Salt Bae a gift has demanded it back after the way he harassed World Cup stars. ‘Curry King’ Suleman Raza recently dined at Salt Bae’s Nusr-Et Steakhouse in London and introduced himself to the celebrity chef.
      Suleman Raza recently posted footage of himself present a gift to Salt BaeCredit: TikTok/@imsulemanraza
      Now, after viewing Salt Bae’s antics at the World Cup, Suleman wants his gift backCredit: TikTok/@imsulemanraza
      Salt Bae badgered the superstar until he relentedCredit: Twitter
      Salt Bae was slammed for his ‘pathetic’ pestering of Lionel MessiCredit: Instagram
      In a video posted to TikTok, the British-Pakistani entrepreneur is seen telling Salt Bae he owns 35 restaurants and presenting him with two gifts.
      One of the items was for Salt Bae, and another was for his staff.
      Suleman, the founder of Spice Village Restaurants & Grand Sapphire Hotels, posted the gift exchange nine days ago – three days after Salt Bae was slammed for his “pathetic” pestering of Lionel Messi to get a selfie and touching the World Cup after Argentina’s win.
      Five days ago, he posted a new clip, asking for the gift back.
      READ MORE ON SALT BAE
      Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, somehow got himself in among the winning team and managed to get selfie with Lionel Messi as he celebrated his team’s triumph.
      But in the run up, he was seen badgering the superstar and repeatedly grabbing his arm until the player relented and posed for a picture.
      The chef was slammed on Twitter as “pathetic” for his attention seeking antics, which were also described as the “cringiest thing ever”.
      Suleman agrees, saying Salt Bae’s antics on the football pitch were unacceptable.
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      In his latest video on the controversy Suleman says: “Salt Bae, you’re a chef and I’m a curry king. I want my gift back.
      “Do you know why? Because you have been so rude and disrespectful to the players.
      “The way you have harrassed the families while they were with their families on the pitch.
      “The way you have tried to snatch the trophy from the players
      “You have lost all your respect and fans from all around the world, including me.
      “You know what, you are so desperate and that’s why you lost all your respect and that’s why I want my gift back.
      “Let me know when and how.”
      Suleman’s video has gone viral, being viewed more than 4.6 million times and garnering more than 8,500 comments.
      But many of the social media users who shared their opinions didn’t agree with him asking for his gift back.
      One person said: “Using Salt Bae as a bait to take his share of fame/controversy.”
      Someone else said: “Trying to get his bit of fame from this.”
      Another wrote: “The way your trying to use another man’s downfall as your moment to shine.”
      FIFA was forced to make a humiliating admission about Salt Bae crashing the World Cup final.
      It said the famous chef, who was pictured pestering Argentinian players after their win against France, should not have been on the pitch.
      Now FIFA is conducting an internal investigation to see how the chef got onto the pitch as he has no commercial relationship with the organisation and was not invited onto the pitch by Gianni Infantino Sky Sports News reports.
      Salt Bae sparked fury before the World Cup after bragging about a £140,584 bill at his high-end restaurant.
      A single steak from the evening was over £1000, and the group spent almost £115,000 on wine alone.
      The backlash came amidst the worst cost-of-living crisis seen in decades, as inflation soars and millions struggle to pay for food and rent.
      Salt Bae shot to fame in 2017 when a video of him lovingly preparing a steak by theatrically sprinkling a handful of salt crystals, quickly went viral.
      Nusret quickly became a celebrity in his own right, cooking for celebrities like David Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio, and DJ Khaled.

      He opened his first Nusr-Et steakhouse in Istanbul in 2010.
      Suleman Raza has been approached for comment. More