For those who love soccer, we never wanted this day to come – FIFA President

For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come, the day we lost Pelé.

This was stated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino who says “O Rei” was unique in so many ways.

Infantino says Pelé was the only player to have won the FIFA World Cup three times and his skill and imagination were incomparable.

He says he will be remembered for the Pelé run-around in the 1970 World Cup semi final, the 1958 FIFA World Cup final as a 17 year old when he flicked the ball over a defender and volleyed it into the net.

Infantino adds the sight of Pelé punching the air in celebration is one of the most iconic in our sport and is etched into our history.

The President says football could be brutal in those days, and Pelé was often on the receiving end of some rough treatment, but, he knew how to stand up for himself and he was always an exemplary sportsman, with genuine respect for his opponents.

Pelé was 82 years old at the time of his death and died from multiple organ failure, a complication of colon cancer, earlier today.

Source: FIFA.com