Accra, Dec. 30, GNA- Former President John Dramani Mahama, has sent a heartfelt condolence to the family of late Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as “World Pele”.
The Brazilian died at the Albert Einstein hospital in Brazil on Thursday, December 29, at age 82, having battled with Cancer for some time now.
A message by the former president said “Sad to hear the passing of Edson Arantes do Nascimento simply Known to the world as Pele. My heart goes out to his family and indeed the entire football fraternity across the globe”.
He described the Brazilian as the greatest footballer that had ever lived and left a legacy with his iconized number ten jersey.
“He inspired many of us as children, some of whom grew up to become great footballers. He also was an icon for those of us who never got round to mastering the game,” he said.
The former president hailed Pele as a respected global ambassador and was a symbol of courage, peace, and hope for many, particularly the black race.
The demise of the football legend had brought sorrow to the football fraternity as one of the engines of the game was gone forever.
The three-time World Champion scored a total of 1,281 goals in all 1,363 games played.
Francis Ofori
