Pele, the Brazilian considered to be the greatest footballer of all time, died at the age of 82.
On December 21, the renowned figure, a man who transcended his sport and became a global symbol, heard that his colon cancer had worsened and that he would be hospitalized for Christmas, with the iconic forward needing treatment for cardiac and renal problems.
He was admitted to the hospital on November 30 with swelling all over his body and ‘decompensated heart failure,’ and died a month later after getting palliative treatment.
‘We are thanks to you,’ Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento posted on Instagram. We adore you infinity. ‘May you rest in peace.’
Nascimento, who had previously stated that members of Pele’s family will be spending the holidays with him in the hospital, added three heartbroken emojis.
The Brazilian Football Federation shared a photo of Pele celebrating a goal with the caption ‘RIP Pele’ and three crown emojis.
Former England striker Sir Geoff Hurst also paid tribute on Twitter, writing, ‘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 is the best of all time, and I felt honored to share the field with him. ‘Rest in peace, Pele, and thank you.’
There are no specifics about the funeral yet, however a vigil will be held at Vila Belmiro in Santos.
