Leeds United have paid tribute to footballing legend Pele after his sad passing at the age of 82 with cancer. The Brazilian legend is regarded as one of, if not the greatest footballer of all time and had won three World Cups by the time he was 30 years old.
News of his death has led to an outpouring of emotion from across the footballing community and Leeds have become the latest club to pay their respects to the Brazilian. A tweet wrote: "The Greatest! #LUFC joins the world in expressing our sadness at the passing of football legend, Pele. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. RIP."
He had spent the last three weeks in hospital as doctors re-evaluated his treatment after being diagnosed with colon cancer in September last year. The global icon now stands level with Neymar as Brazil's all-time top goalscorer after netting 77 goals in 92 appearances.
READ MORE: Football legend Pele dies aged 82 after Brazilian's battle with cancer
The famous forward was due to spend Christmas at Sao Paulo's Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, having recently undergone a review of his chemotherapy treatment. A hospital statement had said Pele needed 'greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions' because of the "cancer progression".
Pele's passing was confirmed via an official statement on his Instagram. "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today," it read.
"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. His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.
"Love, love and love, forever."
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