How our players reacted to Pele passing away
Manchester United's current players have followed club legends Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law in paying their own tributes to Pele, whose death at the age of 82 was sadly announced to the world on Thursday evening.
The global football icon, who amassed more than 1,000 goals in an incredible career and is the only footballer to have won three World Cups, passed away in Sao Paulo where he had been receiving end-of-life care after suffering with cancer.
As soon as the news broke, social media platforms were filled with heartfelt messages about the Selecao legend from each and every part of the world, including Old Trafford.
United saddened by the death of Pele
ArticleSir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law lead the tributes to the Brazil icon who has passed away.
Marcus Rashford was one of the first United players to react on Twitter, posting a photo of the legend holding the World Cup and a short-but-sweet message of "Rest easy king."
Meanwhile, Pele's fellow countryman Fred wrote his own touching tribute in Portuguese, which translates as "Much more than a football idol. Simply the greatest athlete of all time. Maximum reference for all generations. May God receive you in peace, King!"
Muito mais que um ídolo do futebol. Simplesmente o maior atleta de todos os tempos. Referência máxima para todas as gerações. Que Deus te receba em paz, Rei! 🤴🏿❤️ pic.twitter.com/tHK4qVTfbs
— Fred Rodrigues (@Fred08oficial) December 29, 2022
Fred's team-mate for club and country, Casemiro, added: "Rest in peace, King Pelé. Thank you for the glory you gave Brazil and football. His legacy is eternal."
Descanse em paz, Rei Pelé. Obrigado pela glória que você deu ao Brasil e ao futebol. Seu legado é eterno. ⭐⭐⭐ pic.twitter.com/ehn9Ouk4ht
— Casemiro (@Casemiro) December 29, 2022
The other members of United's Brazilian World Cup quartet also commented.
Antony wrote: "The greatest of them all! The King, inspiration, example, the only, the ETERNAL!!''
Alex Telles, our defender on loan at Sevilla, said: ''May the greatest of all rest, King Pele.''
O maior de todos! O Rei, a inspiração, o exemplo, o único, o ETERNO!! 👑 @Pele pic.twitter.com/rm8ptubPC2
— Antony Santos (@antony00) December 29, 2022
Club captain Harry Maguire posted: ''Rest in peace Pele, one of the greatest ever. What a role model on and off the pitch. Winner of 3 World Cups, unbelievable.''
Rest in peace Pele, one of the greatest ever. What a role model on and off the pitch. Winner of 3 World Cups, unbelievable 🙏🏼❤️🇧🇷 #pele pic.twitter.com/PErVqkERuF
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) December 29, 2022