That was almost twenty years ago.
Then kid, Thierry Henry had met King Pelé as part of the celebration of the centenary of Fifa.
The triple world champion (1958, 1962, 1970), who died Thursday, December 29 at the age of 82, had greeted the French striker then 24 years old.
“Yes, it dates…”, begins the former Arsenal player, referring to this 2004 meeting before continuing on the Prime Video microphone just after Lens' victory against PSG (3-1) on Sunday.
🥺🙏 Thierry Henry's magnificent tribute to Pelé.
"The king is dead, but this king is forever..." pic.twitter.com/5IETjP9Gbs
— Prime Video Sport France (@PVSportFR) January 1, 2023
" It's truly sad.
The King is dead, but this King is eternal.
As long as there is football, as long as there is a World Cup, we will always talk about Pelé.
It is an inspiration for all generations, no matter what, until the end of time.
Everyone was Brazilian that day.
Pelé means a lot to football.
But some legends don't die and it will always be for life.
Thank you for everything.
»
A vibrant and moving tribute from Thierry Henry, who is one of the many who have flocked from all over the world since the death of King Pelé.
This Monday marks the start of the Brazilian player's funeral, which is held in two stages.
First open to all, with a moment of meditation on the King's coffin, which will be exhibited for 24 years in the middle of the stadium of his lifelong club, Santos.
Then Tuesday, with the funeral which will take place in the intimacy of the family.
