Manchester City players have moved to pay tribute to Pele - one of the best footballers of all time - following his death.
The Brazilian icon, famous for scoring over 1,000 goals in his magical career and being the only player to ever win three World Cup trophies, was admitted to Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Sao Paulo due to “general swelling” following several battles with cancer in recent years. It was revealed in December that his cancer had progressed and needed "greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions".
Pele’s passing was confirmed to the Associated Press by his agent this evening. A post on Pele's official Instagram account read: "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.
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"His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.
"Love, love and love, forever."
Unsurprisingly, tributes have flooded in on social media as the football world and beyond rush to honour the legendary Pele. Riyad Mahrez was the first City player to make his tribute as he posted a praise, doves and love heart emoji.
City's official Twitter account then stated: " Manchester City are saddened to learn of the passing of Brazil legend Pelé, one of the all-time greats who did so much for the beautiful game. May he rest in peace."
Erling Haaland wrote: "Everything you see any player doing, Pelé did it first. RIP"
Brazilian striker and former Blue Gabriel Jesus tweeted: "Rest in peace, King. Your legacy is eternal!"
