Brazilian players displayed a banner carrying the image of football great Pele last night after their convincing victory over South Korea in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The ailing Pele had sent a message to his countrymen through his daughter ahead of the match. According to multiple news sources, “the three-time World Cup winner said on social media he would be watching the game from the hospital in Sao Paulo where he was admitted last week.”
Several news outlets in Brazil reported last week that Pele, 82, had been moved to palliative care. A post on the legend’s Instagram page later confirmed that he was “strong” and called for calm.
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Writing on Twitter, the three-time World Cup winner and arguably the greatest footballer in history said: “In 1958, I walked the streets thinking about fulfilling the promise I made to my father.” He was recalling the memories of his World Cup debut in 1958.
“I know that today many have made similar promises and are also going in search of their first World Cup,” he said. Adding that: I’ll be watching the game from hospital and I’ll be rooting for each one of you. Good luck!”