“Diego is my friend, but Pelé is the best”, says Roberto Carlos in the preview of The Best awards, on the green carpet that gives access to the gala. Is that, a few months after his departure, it was expected that at the party that rewards the best players, coaches and even the best fans of last season, they would remember Edson Arantes do Nascimentobetter known as O Rei Pele passed away on December 29, a few days after the end of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino He was in charge of opening the ceremony. After stating that “this year we have witnessed the first World Cup in history”, the man of Swiss and Italian nationality recalled the defeats suffered by the most followed sport in the world in recent times.
“Football is joy but also sadness. In recent times we have lost great friends. Siniša Mihajlovicćć, Gianluca Vialli, their smiles, their courage… and we also remember the King, Pelé” began the FIFA strongman .
“What can we say about Pelé. Pelé is football, simple football, we have lost it, we miss it a lot, but it is eternal, it will always be with us. I want to thank his family for accompanying us,” he said and gave life to the video that reminded the Brazilian star.
Among the constellation of Brazilian stars who attended the gala of The Best, Ronaldo Nazario appeared. The former Barcelona and Inter player recounted what Pelé meant: “Talking about Pelé is too much for me. When I think of Pelé I think of a very different player. In the 1950s he was already modern, he hit him with both legs, jumped more than the others, control oriented, lead bike, he was smarter than the others, he was my friend, he supported me in one of the most difficult moments of my life, then, even in the happy ones, in the 2002 World Cup. The world was the most racist in his day, a black athlete who became the best in the world. We can all be inspired.”
Finally, Ronaldo presented the award to Marcia, Pelé’s partner. “It’s an honor to be at this magnificent FIFA party, I have only two words to say: God have Edson,” said the crack woman.
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Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.