England captain Harry Kane and legend Gary Lineker have paid tribute to Pele after the Brazil icon was moved to end of life care.
Reports in Pele's homeland claimed that the three-time World Cup winner was moved to palliative treatment in a Sao Paulo hospital after he stopped responding to chemotherapy treatment for bowel cancer.
And Kane, speaking before England's World Cup round of 16 tie against Senegal on Sunday, described the 82-year-old Pele as an 'inspiration'.
READ MORE: Pele 'moved to end-of-life care' as football legend stops responding to chemotherapy
He said: "First and foremost, we send our best wishes to him and his family as well.
"He's an inspiration in our game, an incredible footballer and an incredible person."
Tottenham striker Kane also thanked Pele for advice he'd previously given him earlier in his career, when he told Kane to keep learning and not believe he was the world's best striker.
"To hear those words back then from him was really special for me," he added.
"And I always feel like I'm someone who is always learning and will continue to learn for the rest of my career, so he was spot on with his advice.
"Of course, sad to hear that news, but we wish him well, not just me but the whole England set-up as well."
Lineker posted in Portuguese on Twitter, saying 'very sad news' while Kylian Mbappe described Pele as 'the King' in his own tribute to the decorated former Santos striker.
Brazilian outlet Folha de Sao Paulo reported on Saturday that Pele has become unresponsive to chemotherapy treatment, which he has been undergoing for many months to tackle cancer. The news comes just days after Pele posted an encouraging update on his condition earlier this week, writing on Instagram : "Friends, I am at the hospital making my monthly visit. It's always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!"
Pele's daughter also reassured fans earlier this week, writing on Instagram on Tuesday: "Lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad's health. He is in the hospital regulating medication. There is no emergency or new dire prediction. I will be there for New Year's and promise to post some pictures."
But reports in Brazil now claim that Pele, who claims to have scored over 1,000 goals in a career that saw spells at Santos and New York Cosmos, as well as 92 caps for his country, that he was being treated for symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath.
