Sadness has descended on Brazil on Friday after the death of one of its brightest stars, soccer legend Pele, who died aged 82 after suffering from colon cancer for just over a year.
Fans gathered outside the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo where Pele was being treated to mourn the loss of one of the greatest players of all time and displayed Pele memorabilia on a tightrope at the entrance to the ‘hospital.
“I will never forget him, the Brazilian king of football. He made us happy even in the darkest moments,” said Antonio da Paz, 67.
Pelé’s death united Brazil, which was deeply divided by a heated presidential election.
Outgoing far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who is due to step down from office the day after tomorrow, declared three days of mourning on Sunday.
Monuments have turned on their lights to honor him, including the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro and the New Quimeca Arena in São Paulo, where the opening match of the 2014 World Cup took place.
“Edson Arantes do Nascimento – Pele’s original name – passed away on Thursday at 3:27 pm local time (6:27 pm GMT) due to the failure of multiple organs to function due to the progression of colon cancer linked to his previous medical condition ,” the hospital said in a statement.
And Pelé’s body will leave the hospital next Monday, after the inauguration of president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and will be transferred to the center of the Santos stadium, his city club.
The next day, a procession carrying his coffin will pass through the streets of the coastal city of Santos, ending at the Necropolis Ecomenic Cemetery where he will be buried in private farewell.
