United saddened by the death of Pele
Everybody at Manchester United is saddened by the news that Brazil icon and friend of the club Pele has passed away at the age of 82.
United ambassador Sir Bobby Charlton has led the club’s tributes to his former opponent, long-time friend and fellow legend of world football.
While they never met at domestic level, the two played against one another as internationals with England and Brazil at the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups, which were all won by Pele's side.
In a statement, Sir Bobby said: “Pele was a truly magical footballer and a wonderful human being. It was an honour to have shared a pitch with him and I send my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the Brazilian people.”
When Pele opened United's museum
GalleryWe've unearthed some incredible images of the Brazil icon at Old Trafford in April 1998.
Another member of the United Trinity, Denis Law, has also said: “This is very sad news indeed. Pele was an unbelievable footballer; he had style, grace, flair and made everything look so easy. The precision in the way he played made him such a joy to watch. However, more than anything, he was a good man with a great presence and a fantastic smile.”
Eric Cantona has previously honoured the Brazilian by comparing his football to great art. “An artist, in my eyes, is someone who can lighten up a dark room,” the Frenchman once said.
“I have never and will never find the difference between the pass from Pele to Carlos Alberto in the final of the World Cup in 1970 and the poetry of the young Rimbaud. There is in each of these human manifestations an expression of beauty which touches us and gives us a feeling of eternity.”
REACTION FROM THE PLAYERS
See what the United squad is posting on Twitter in tribute to Pele...
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) December 29, 2022
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
Que descanse o MAIOR de todos 😔
— Alex Telles (@AT13Oficial) December 29, 2022
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REI PELÉ 🖤🙏🏽👑 @Pele pic.twitter.com/BlLLrYGCwj
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
Rest easy king 👑 pic.twitter.com/V1Qa1FsZYh
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) December 29, 2022