Monrovia – Africa and Liberian football legend George Weah has expressed profound sadness at the news of the passing of soccer legend Edson Arantes Do Nacimento, popularly known as King Pele.
Report by Jaheim T. Tumu, FPA Staff Writer
The Brazilian sportsman rose to the pinnacle of the game during the prime of his youth in the 50s, helping Brazil win three World Cups.
In the last few years, Pele had been battling ill health, having survived cancer. The soccer legend died at the age of 82 in Sao Paulo at the Albert Eistein Israelites Hospital. Hundreds of fans descended on the hospital complex to express their grief as leaders around the world also convey their condolences.
President Weah who is the only African to win the World Player of the year recalled how he was inspired by the exploits of the Brazilian star when he first set out to play professional football. “Pele gave me some remarkable words of motivation when we first met in Monaco,” the Liberia Leader said. A sport icon himself, President Weah said the advice from Pele propelled him to eventually became the World Best Player in 1995
The President described the death of King Pele as a “monumental loss” to the world of football. He said for many years, the King of Soccer encouraged and guided young athletes across the world to greatness.
He conveyed his deepest sympathies to the government and people of Brazil, as well as the family of the bereaved. “Long live the spirit of the king of soccer. He was my mentor, friend, and big brother. R.I.P. King Pele”, President Weah said.
In his post on Facebook Weah said “The death of soccer legend King Pele has brought me immense sadness. During the prime of his youth, the Brazilian sports icon rose to the top of the game as he helped his country win three World Cups”.
“My life as a professional footballer was inspired by the exploits of the King. He gave me some remarkable words of motivation when I first met him in Monaco. That propelled me to eventually becoming the World Best Player 1995”.
“King Pele’s death is a monumental loss to the world of football. For many years he encouraged and guided young athletes like myself to greatness,”
“I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the government and people of Brazil, as well as the family of the bereaved. Long live the spirit of the king of soccer. He was my mentor, friend, and big brother. R.I.P. King Pele.”.