The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday, said the world would not forget the legacy and contributions of the departed Brazilian soccer legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele who died at the age of 82.
“Pele is gone but the world will never forget him. RIP,” read a statement signed by the President’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, titled ‘President Buhari mourns soccer legend, Pele.’
In a tribute to the football legend on behalf of all Nigerians, Buhari said, “May he rest in peace. He led a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of global football in particular and world sport in general.
“He had an enormous generosity of spirit and humility despite his greatness as a footballer and sportsman.
“He also built bridges across nations, races and even religions. He was a UN Ambassador of goodwill. Pele is gone but the world will never forget him. RIP. “
Pele won three World Cups and scored over 1,281 goals, becoming the original football icon in a long career for which he was named the “Player of the Century” in the year 2000.
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