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Premier League confirm Pele tributes ahead of weekend's matches

Premier League confirm Pele tributes ahead of weekend's matches
© Reuters
The Premier League confirm that a minute's applause will be held and black armbands will be worn in this weekend's fixtures following the death of Brazilian icon Pele.

The Premier League have confirmed that all matches this weekend will hold a minute's applause before kickoff in memory of Pele.

The former Brazil striker - regarded by many as the greatest player to ever play the game - died at the age of 82 on Thursday due to complications from colon cancer.

Pele had been hospitalised during the World Cup and was reported to have been receiving end-of-life care, although it was soon claimed that the South American was stable and showing "progressive improvement".

At 3.27pm Brazilian time on Thursday, Pele passed away at the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, which confirmed the striker's cause of death as multiple organ failure stemming from his colon cancer.

Pele's death led to a wave of tributes from past and present players, who expressed their sadness and admiration for the three-time World Cup winner in equal measure.

Pele pictured in 2014© Reuters

A statement from the Premier League paid tribute to the "extraordinarily gifted" player, and it was announced that players and officials will also wear black armbands alongside the minute's applause.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pele, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended our sport and inspired millions throughout his remarkable career," the statement read.

"Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Pele's family and friends. In tribute to Pele, Premier League clubs will remember his contribution to football during Matchweek 18 (Dec 30-Jan 1) by holding a minute's applause prior to kick-offs. Players and match officials will wear black armbands."

Pele spent nearly his entire club career with Brazilian giants Santos, spending a trophy-laden 19 years with his boyhood team before representing the New York Cosmos between 1975 and 1977.

The attacker formed a part of Brazil's 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cup-winning teams, while he also claimed six Brazilian top-flight titles and two Copa Libertadores crowns with Santos.

Pele pictured in April 2019© Reuters

Pele's 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil remains a national record alongside Neymar, who equalled the late forward's record during the 2022 World Cup, and he also contributed 32 assists for the Selecao.

An astonishing total of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games - including friendly and youth appearances - is a world record, having struck 643 goals in 659 competitive matches for Santos and a further 66 in 107 games for the New York Cosmos.

A message posted on Pele's Instagram account following his passing read: "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, 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.

"His message today becomes a legacy for future generations. Love, love and love, forever."

Brazil have entered three days of national mourning following Pele's death, and his coffin will be laid onto the pitch at Santos' stadium for people to pay their respects on Monday.

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Written by
Ben Knapton

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Pele pictured in 2009
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