Ronaldo And Messi Pay Tribute As Football Loses Its King, Pele
What Pele’s peers said about him
Two of the biggest stars in world football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have paid tribute to Pele who died Thursday at the age of 82.
Ronaldo extended his condolences for the passing of the Brazilian legend in a post on his instagram page.
“My deepest condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento.’
“A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that currently grips the entire world of football. An inspiration for so many millions, a reference of yesterday, today, forever.
“The affection he always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared, even at a distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in every football lover’s memory. Rest in peace, King Pele.”
His message was accompanied by a photo of the two men shaking hands after Cristiano received the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year trophy.
Messi also took to social media to comment on Pele’s death.
Leo wrote a simple: “Rest in peace, @pele” accompanied with three images, two in which he can be seen next to ‘O Rei’ and one in which the Brazilian star can be seen celebrating with the Canarinha.
What Pele’s peers said about him
“I told myself before the game, ‘He’s made of skin and bones just like everyone else.’ But I was wrong.”
Tarcisio Burgnich (Italy defender who marked Pele in the 1970 World Cup final)
“The greatest player in history was Di Stefano. I refuse to classify Pele as a player. He was above that.”
Ferenc Puskas (Hungary’s legendary footballer)
“When I saw Pele play, it made me feel I should hang up my boots.”
Just Fontaine (France’s record World Cup goalscorer)
“Pele was the only footballer who surpassed the boundaries of logic.”
Johan Cruyff (Netherlands’ legendary footballer)
“I sometimes feel as though football was invented for this magical player.”
Sir Bobby Charlton (England’s World-Cup winning midfielder)
