MADRID, 29 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) –
FIFA, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) mourned on Thursday the death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, ‘Pelé’, considered one of the best players in football history.
Thus, the highest body of world football recognized the figure of the “legendary” Brazilian, named in his day “best player of the 20th century”. “They called him ‘O Rei’ and his face is one of the most recognizable in world football. He is none other than Pelé, whom FIFA once chose as the best player of the 20th century. The legendary Brazilian passed away on Thursday, December 29” , said the statement issued by FIFA.
In addition, CONMBEBOL also wanted to remember the legacy of the Rio de Janeiro soccer player with emotional words on its website, where they recognized him as the “king of world soccer.” “Three times world champion and two-time CONMEBOL Libertadores champion, a great artist with the ball and a representative of South American talent. King Pelé left his earthly reign to cross the threshold into eternity, immortalizing his magnificent career as one of the best players on the planet,” he said.
Finally, the CBF also mourned the death of the national idol, for which it decreed seven days of mourning. The Brazilian body reviewed his football career and thanked him for his “eternal” legacy. “I am deeply moved by Pelé’s departure. The CBF will pay all possible tributes to the greatest athlete of all time. Pelé is eternal and we will always work to preserve his history and perpetuate his legacy”, indicated the president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodriguez.
The three-time world champion with the “Canarinha” had been admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital in the city of Sao Paulo since last November 29 and his state of health worsened as the days went by due to colon cancer that he had suffered since the last year.