Premier League players will honour Pele by wearing black armbands and holding a minute’s applause before games this weekend following the Brazil legend’s death at the age of 82
The Premier League has announced clubs will pay tribute to Pele during the upcoming round of matches, following the Brazilian legend’s death on Thursday.
Pele passed away at the age of 82 at the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Sao Paulo, after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.
‘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 Premier League said in a statement.
Premier League clubs will pay tribute to Brazilian legend Pele after his death at the age of 82
The Premier League confirmed plans to honour Pele during upcoming matches
‘Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Pele’s family and friends.’
The Premier League confirmed plans for clubs to honour to Pele’s contribution to football, with a minute’s applause to be held prior to kick-offs in this weekend’s matches.
Players and match officials will also wear black armbands.
West Ham and Brentford will be the first clubs to pay tribute with the London derby kicking off the Premier League weekend tonight, followed by Liverpool and Leicester when they meet at Anfield.
The gesture will be followed before all games this weekend.
Premier League clubs and players are among the thousands to have celebrated Pele’s life on social media, as the game mourns one of his greatest ever stars.
Premier League leaders Arsenal tweeted ‘We are truly saddened to hear the news of Pele’s passing. As a club, we had the privilege of hosting Pele in 1981, at Highbury. A memory we will always cherish.
‘Our thoughts, along with entire football community are with Pele’s loved ones today.’
Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, tweeted that Pele was ‘one of the all-time greats who did so much for the beautiful game. May he rest in peace.’
The Football Association lit up the Wembley arch in colours of Brazil in tribute to Pele yesterday evening.
The arch in the famous green and yellow of Brazil in honour of the three-time World Cup winner.
Wembley’s arch was lit up in Brazil’s colours following the announcement of Pele’s death
The footballing world has also paid tribute to the Brazilian after his death on Thursday.
Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Sir Geoff Hurst were among those to post their own tributes on social media.
The body of Pele, will be laid to rest at the home of Santos, where he enchanted the world.
Pele, will go straight from the Albert Einstein Hospital to Estádio Urbano Caldeira in Vila Belmiro at dawn on Monday and the coffin will be placed in the centre of the pitch.
The public wake is expected to begin at 10am.
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