For many people around the world, Pele’s death was almost a personal loss. Moreover, this affected those who intersect with the great Brazilian, at least for a short time. Lidia Ivanova, the widow of legendary Soviet football player and coach Valentin Ivanov and a two-time Olympic champion in gymnastics, admitted that the news of Pele’s death upset her.
“This is a crazy number for football and all sports. I knew him, we still have a prom with his signature. I’ve spent the lion’s share of my life alongside football.
There is no one who does not know Pele. Terrible news, as if something big and powerful has been ripped from us. It’s very painful.
Naturally, my condolences to his relatives, or rather to the entire football community. Pele has always raised the stadiums!” – Quotes from Ivanova “Match TV”.
Sports commentator and blogger Vasily Utkin also reacted to the death of the football king. He compared him to other outstanding players of the past and emphasized that despite all his talents, no one can beat Pele.
“The King is dead – but there is no new King and no one can live with that for long. Pele is the King and Maradona must undoubtedly be compared to another. And such a person was in Pele’s career – nearby. He was an assistant but not a squire. It was Garrincha. Maradona is the Garrincha of the world around Pele.
He is the King. None of the potential competitors were so comprehensively capable. Maradona had only his left leg, and his strength was incomparable. Cruyff had a very specific motivation. He’s not a king, he’s the Lennon of football. Messi is a genius. No need to crown him.
He’s the king. Strong. The first star to be branded. Synthesis of power and genius. And the brain…
If you also didn’t have to be smart, Ronaldinho could beat it. He’s an outstanding athlete with skills and cosmic play thinking, but … But a fool. And Pele was smart.
And all that can be said about it… The king is dead. And no one lives long, ”wrote Utkin telegraph channel.
Pele’s death was a tragedy for everyone, not just football players, who expressed their sadness among the stars of world sports. Seven-time world billiards champion Ronnie O’Sullivan remembered that thanks to Pele, football became what the world knew.
“A football legend but above all a man. He is truly an extraordinary person that I have the honor to know.
Remember: Pele was the first to do everything you see in football right now.”
– Wrote on English social networks.
His gratitude to the great Brazilian was expressed by the Swiss Roger Federer, the former first racket in the world, the 20-time winner of the Grand Slam tournaments. Like many others, he remembered a personal meeting with Pele, who, according to him, set an example for him.
“Thank you for inspiring millions of athletes and sports fans. I am incredibly lucky to have met you and had the opportunity to learn from you. You became one of the first icons of world sport. Rest in peace King Pele,” Federer said in a statement.
One of the first to react to the tragic news among hockey players was Washington captain Alexander Ovechkin. He wrote “Rest in peace king”, adding a joint photo with the Brazilian on social networks.
Legendary boxer, former undisputed world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson shared a photo with the king of football. He admitted that he kept only the warmest memories of his personal acquaintance with Pele.
“I was 21 years old and dreamed of meeting one of the greatest athletes.
He was a very warm and kind person who could not say a bad word about anyone. Rest in peace”,
Tyson wrote.
The English Premier League has decided to honor Pele’s memory in a special way. In honor of the great football player, from December 30 to January 1, all matches of the tournament will begin with a minute of applause – this is reported in the official description of the league.
He did not ignore tragedy and politics. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolence to his Brazilian counterpart, Jair Bolsonaro. The text of the telegram is available at: official website Russian leader. Putin emphasized that personal acquaintance with Pele was a bright event in his life.
“Dear president,
Please accept our deepest condolences regarding the passing of the great Brazilian football player Pele.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento was a distinguished son of the Brazilian people.
Thanks to his talent, unique skill, beautiful, fascinating game, football has become the favorite sport of millions of people around the world, including in Russia.
I was lucky to be able to personally communicate with this wonderful person, and I will keep the brightest memories of him forever. In a statement, Putin said, please convey his sincere condolences to the family and friends of the legendary Pele, as well as to all citizens of your country.
Speaking about the incident, US President Joe Biden also offered his condolences on behalf of his wife Jill. He described Pele’s life as an example of how any obstacle can be overcome and any goal can be achieved.
“For a sport that connects the world like no other, Pelé’s journey from humble beginnings to football legend is a story that shows that anything is possible. “Our thoughts on Jill are with her family and everyone who loves her,” Biden said in a message.
The American space agency NASA said goodbye to Pele in the most unusual way. Representatives of the agency accompanied the appeal with condolences with an image of a spiral galaxy in a characteristic color scheme.
“We mourn the passing of the legendary Pele, king of the fine game. The colors of the Brazilian flag can be seen in this image of a spiral galaxy in the constellation sculptor.