Following the tragic news of the death of Pele, the footballing world has been paying tribute to the iconic superstar.
The Brazilian legend passed away aged 82 in Sao Paulo on Thursday, prompting an outpouring of emotion on social media from supporters, current players and ex-pros as they remembered one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Here are just some marks of respect from our players past and present:
Gabriel Martinelli said: "No Brazilian player, not one, grew up without thinking of you, without listening to your stories, your legacy. Each yellow shirt represents a lot of you, each club when it hires a Brazilian wants a little bit of Pelé. I hope I can pass some of your magic forward. Thank you King. You are in our hearts. Rest In Peace.
Nenhum jogador brasileiro, nenhum, cresceu sem pensar em você, sem ouvir suas histórias, seu legado. Cada camisa amarela, representa muito de você, cada clube quando contrata um brasileiro quer um pouco do Pelé. Espero poder passar um pouco da sua magia pra frente. pic.twitter.com/74cP0hUtN7
— Gabriel Martinelli (@gabimartinelli) December 30, 2022
Meanwhile, fellow countryman Gabriel Jesus added: "Rest in peace, King. Your legacy is eternal!"
Descanse em paz, Rei. Seu legado é eterno! pic.twitter.com/TtcNapMLbG
— Gabriel Jesus (@gabrieljesus9) December 29, 2022
Sporting Director Edu headed to Instagram to offer his thoughts, stating: "Today the person with the greatest light I've ever met passed away! Our eternal King! He leaves us with one of his legacies: love. My sincere condolences to their families."
A true gentleman! I was very lucky to meet him and exchange shirts and have a brief chat about the game we love. Your words will never leave me!
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) December 29, 2022
RIP PELE
Legend is used to easily these days but this man is a REAL LEGEND! pic.twitter.com/AAXaitn2ZY
Sad to see the news after my game. A true Icon for our beautiful game! RIP legend 🙏🏻🌹… pic.twitter.com/ICOBjYk0ai
— Balogun (@balogun) December 29, 2022
It’s sad to hear that Pele has passed away. He was a lovely man and a fantastic footballer. I was very lucky to meet him at Highbury in 1981 and I’ll never forget it. pic.twitter.com/uO11esWQWJ
— Kenny Sansom (@KennySansom03) December 29, 2022
Pele 🤍 🕊 #thegreatest R I P pic.twitter.com/4lgOkJqDUi
— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) December 29, 2022
One of the best to ever lace up.
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) December 29, 2022
Thank you Pele. pic.twitter.com/L6rS20UYr4
Legend lives forever…
— Mathieu flamini (@mathieuflamini) December 29, 2022
Rest in Peace @Pele 🙏🏼😢#football #legend #live #forever pic.twitter.com/O8ILKyTXcP
RIP King Pele 🇧🇷 💔
— David Seaman MBE ~ SafeHands (@thedavidseaman) December 30, 2022
What a shame RIP Pele a true legend of the Game 🙏🙌
— Ray Parlour (@RealRomfordPele) December 29, 2022
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