—- Brazil’s President-elect Lula: Pele left us today. He now has the company of so many eternal stars: Didi, Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Socrates, Maradona… There has never been a No10 shirt like his. Thank you, Pele.”

Former United States President Barack Obama: “Pele was one of the greatest ti ever play the beautiful game and, as one of the most recognisabke athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and all who loved and admired him.”

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