Pelé passed away at 82.
The president of the Brazilian Federation pays tribute to the only player to have won three World Cups in the history of football.
“
I am deeply moved by the departure of Pelé.
The CBF will pay every possible tribute to the greatest athlete of all time.
Pelé is eternal and we will always work to preserve his story and carry on his legacy
,” said CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues.
"
I still remember today the emotion of seeing Pelé in action at Ilhéus when the city's national team faced Santos in 1967. I was only 13 and I was impacted.
He scored one of the goals.
Two years later, I traveled to Salvador to witness his 1,000th goal, which ultimately didn't happen.
Nildo took the goal almost on the line.
Virtually all Fonte Nova and I booed the Bahia defender.
Three days later, the King scored his 1,000th goal in Rio against Vasco
,” recalls Ednaldo Rodrigues.