abc.net.au/news/pele-o-rei-the-king-brazil-obituary/101743264Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, but known around the world as Pelé, the greatest player of his generation has died after a battle with colon cancer and a respiratory infection in São Paulo. He was 82.
"The greatest player in history was [Alfredo] Di Stéfano," said Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás of his former Real Madrid teammate, with one caveat.Former Brazil star Dunga told FIFA that Pelé was "a myth … a myth you can't discuss. Pelé did things that are not human.
When shown on colour at the 1970 World Cup, Pelé was elevated onto a different plain, the vibrancy of Brazil's iconic yellow shirts cutting swathes through their opponents in glorious technicolour.Before Pelé was included in Brazil's 1958 World Cup squad as a 17-year-old, his coach at Santos, Lula, told reporters he could "no longer be compared to anyone else because he possesses all the qualities of the ideal football player".
Their poetic brilliance with the ball and the number 10 on their shirts was their only common ground.Pelé, one of the greatest football players the world has ever seen, dead aged 82. He was taken to trial with São Paulo giants Santos as a 16-year-old, starting a playing relationship that would last over 1,200 games over 17 years, almost his entire professional career.Pelé's arrival at Santos coincided with the general rise of the club which, off the back of 58 goals from Pelé, won the Campeonato Paulista — the São Paulo state league — for the first time in 20 years.
It's not that there was no interest from Europe: Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United and Inter Milan were all suitors. Pelé was just 17 at his first World Cup, the 1958 tournament in Sweden, scoring six goals in total for the Seleção, including two in the final. "After [Pelé's] goal, even I wanted to cheer for him." bullish Sweden defender Sigge Parling told FIFA, remembering that extraordinary second goal.
"I told myself before the game, 'He's made of skin and bones just like everyone else'," Italy defender Tarcisio Burgnich said after that final.Pelé is synonymous with the World Cup as a three-time winner.
World’s Football King. Respect.
CCP’s Running Dog— Luc Albert Despins
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