The Portuguese superstar remembered the Brazilian soccer icon as an inspiration to millions following Pelé’s death at 82.
Portuguese soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to one of the greatest players of all time following the death of Brazilian icon Pelé.
Ronaldo, 37, who is considered one of the greatest players in soccer history himself, remembered the “eternal king” Pelé in an Instagram post on Dec. 29 following Pelé’s death at 82 from cancer.
Ronaldo shared a tribute in Portuguese alongside a photo of himself clasping hands with Pelé while accepting an award in a meeting of soccer luminaries.
“My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento,” Ronaldo wrote, according to a rough translation. “A mere ‘goodbye’ to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing.
“An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pelé 🙏🏽⚽️🇧🇷”
Soccer fans were touched by one legend paying tribute to another.
“Two great men 🤝” one person commented.
“Legends never die 🙏🙏🙏” another wrote.
Cristiano Ronaldo could be forced to play Christmas Day football in Saudi Arabia
Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo might be on his way to Saudi Arabia after a whopping £175million contract was offered to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner
Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Saudi side Al Nassr (Image: Ebrahim Noroozi/AP/REX/Shutterstock)
Cristiano Ronaldo might have to play on Christmas Day should he agree a contract with Saudi side Al Nassr as expected.
The Portugal international was released by Manchester United days before the World Cup got underway after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The 37-year-old had hoped to find a club in the Champions League to move to.
But that has failed to transpire despite the likes of Chelsea, AC Milan and Sporting Lisbon strenuously linked at best. However, one contract sits on the table awaiting Ronaldo’s signature.
Saudi side Al Nassr have offered the former Real Madrid star a monster £175million deal to make the move to the Gulf state. But if Ronaldo does put pen to paper, it could mean giving up some little luxuries.
One includes having Christmas Day off with the Saudi Pro League often scheduling matches on that day. For example, this year three matches went ahead on Christmas – and that has been the case for several years.
As a Muslim country, Christmas is not widely celebrated in Saudi Arabia and is mostly a normal day – though celebrations have been allowed in recent years after the holiday was banned for several years.
Cristiano Ronaldo might not be able to share Christmas with his family next year (Image: Daily Record)
Ronaldo grew up in a Catholic town – though he has kept his religious thoughts largely private. However, as most Europeans, he has celebrated Christmas throughout his life – but in Saudi Arabia he might have to give that up.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, has talked up a move for Ronaldo. He told Sky Sports recently: “Who wouldn’t want him to play in their league? He’s a role model to lots of players – him and Messi.
“I’d love to see them both play in the Saudi league because that will reinforce the programmes we are doing, it will show the league is strong.”
Source: today.com; dailystar.co.uk
