Brasilia: Brazilian outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro declared three days of national mourning for Pele, after the legendary footballer died at the age of 82.
Bolsonaro tweeted, "With regret the passing of a man, who through football, took the name of Brazil to the world. He turned football into art and joy. May God comfort your family and welcome you into his infinite mercy."
The funeral of Pele will take place on Monday, 2 January, according to a statement released by Santos Futebol Clube. His body will be laid to rest at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium in Vila Belmiro in Santos.
The wake for Pele is expected to start at 10 am on Monday and should continue until 10 am on Tuesday, 3 January (local time). when a parade will be held through the streets of Santos.
Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is considered as one of the greatest to ever step on a football pitch. He is the only player to have won three World Cup titles, having won the top prize in football in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
Meanwhile, Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called it a "privilege" that he witnessed Pele play at Pacaembu and Morumbi. He paid tribute to football legend Pele in a series of tweets.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva tweeted, "I had the privilege that younger Brazilians didn't have: I saw Pele play, live, at Pacaembu and Morumbi. Play, no. I saw Pele give a show. Because when he got the ball he always did something special, which often ended up in a goal." (with Agency inputs)
