Football icon and legendary striker Pele has died at the age of 82, news agency Reuters has reported.
The three-times World Cup winner passed away in Sao Paulo after a battle with colon cancer. He had been ill for weeks and was with his family when he died.
The Brazil legend is revered around the globe and Manchester United’s Selecao contingent have all paid tribute already.
Manchester United stars tributes to Pele
Brazil midfield star Casemiro wrote on Instagram: “Rest in peace, King Pele. Thank you for the glory you gave to Brazil and football. Your legacy is eternal.”
Fred also posted an Instagram tribute, writing: “Much more than a football idol. Simply the greatest athlete of all time. Maximum reference for all generations. May God receive you in peace, King!”
Antony also wrote on Instagram “The biggest of all! The King, the inspiration, the example, the only one, the ETERNAL!!”
Pele had recently written to Antony on social media after Brazil’s World Cup elimination, urging him to respond strongly.
United’s next match against Wolves on Saturday will be an emotional one for the trio, who will be keen to do their countryman proud.
Marcus Rashford also posted a tribute to Pele along with England teammate Harry Maguire.
There was also a tribute from former star Paul Scholes, who previously met Pele at Old Trafford, along with Rio Ferdinand, who previously interviewed him.
Former star Cristiano Ronaldo had also exchanged personal messages with Pele in the recent past and he broke his social media silence since Portugal’s World Cup elimination, to pay his respects to the great man.
He wrote: “My deepest condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that currently embraces the entire world of football.
“An inspiration for so many millions, a reference from yesterday, today, forever. The affection he always showed for me was reciprocal in every moment we shared, even from a distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live on forever in each of us football lovers. Rest in peace, King Pele.”
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