Pelé revealed which Premier League he would’ve played for if given the chance.
Pelé once revealed that if given the chance, he would’ve played for Arsenal.
It was announce on Thursday that the 82-year-old had sadly died following a long battle with cancer.
The Brazil legend is arguably the greatest player in the history of the game, scoring 1281 goals in 1363 games during his storied career with the national team, Santos and the New York Cosmos.
He is also the joint-record goalscorer for his country with 77 goals in 92 international appearances and won three World Cups as a player – the first of those coming when he was only 17.
During an opening of an exhibition of artworks dedicated to him in London entitled “Art, Life, Football” back in 2015, he told the Daily Telegraph that the Gunners are the one Premier League side he would’ve loved to have played for.
“Arsenal is a good team to play with,” he said. “I would play for Arsenal if I had a chance.”
Millions from around the world paid tribute to the footballing legend – whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento – following the sad news.
Gary Lineker said: “Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.”
Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 29, 2022
Kylian Mbappé also paid tribute, tweeting: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.”
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
Meanwhile Brazil captain, and fellow joint top scorer for his country, Neymar posted an emotional tribute to his footballing idol.
“Before Pele, football was only a sport,” he said on Instagram.
“Pele changed everything. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to black people.
“Mainly: he gave visibility to Brazil. Football and Brazil raised their status thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will remain.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmw4nDRL5AC/?hl=en
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