The president of the Fifa, Gianni Infantino, he explained that he took a “selfie” in front of the coffin where he rested Pele at the request of relatives of the former Brazilian star who died at the age of 82

“I am shocked after being informed of some people’s criticism for taking a selfie and photos of me during yesterday’s ceremony.“, Infantino posted on social networks the day after the trip to Brazil to say goodbye to Pelé

“I would like to clarify that I feel honored that the great Pele’s teammates and family members asked me to take some photos with them. And of course I immediately agreed,” the FIFA headlined on his Instagram account.

“In the case of the selfie, Pele’s teammates asked to take a selfie all together but didn’t know how to do it. So, to help, I took the phone from one of them and snapped a photo of all of us,” he said. added.

“If being useful to a team-mate of Pele creates criticism, I am happy to accept it and I will continue to help in every way those who have contributed to writing legendary pages of football,” insisted Infantino.

“So much respect and admiration for Pele and that ceremony yesterday that I would never do anything that is disrespectful in any way I hope that anyone who has posted or said things without knowing and without looking for information can have the decency and courage to admit they were wrong and correct what he said,” the FIFA president asked

“The most important thing in any case is to pay tribute to King Peleand although I have humbly suggested that in all of our 211 member associations at least one football stadium bears his name, we will lead by example by naming the pitch at our headquarters “Pele Stadium – FIFA Zurich”. A hug and long live Rei! concluded Infantino.

With information from ANSA