Santos canceled plans to retire the number 10 shirt that had been used First during the game. This step will not be taken in the foreseeable future.
Santos originally planned to no longer wear the number 10 as a form of respect for Pelé, who had just died on December 29 of cancer at the age of 82. Pele’s children have also reportedly asked for the same thing.
It’s just that there are differences in inner circles in approaching this issue. Santos failed to carry out this plan, as stated by Andres Rueda as president of the club.
“The concept has changed a bit now. We will talk about it another time with the family of the deceased, now is not the right time,” Rueda told Brazilian newspaper Folha.
As is known, Pele played for Santos in 1956-1974. He successfully guided the São Paulo club to six Brazilian league trophies, two Copa Libertadores trophies and 10 times Campeonato Paulista champions.
It was also while playing for Santos that Pelé finally got the chance to defend Brazilian national team. Together with the Selecao he won the World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970. So far he is the only player to have won three World Cups.
During his career, Pelé didn’t wear the number 10 shirt right away. He started wearing it defending Brazil at the 1958 World Cup, and then continued at club level.
Currently, Santos has given the number to the Venezuelan midfielder, Yeferson Soteldo.
(adp/af)
