Brazil’s national soccer team recounted their interactions with soccer great Pelé on Sunday.
Pelé said he’s “strong” and has “a lot of hope” on social media Saturday as he continues his treatment for colon cancer.
Local media in Brazil reported the 82-year-old former footballer’s health had worsened, causing an outpouring from the soccer world in Qatar, where the game’s best have gathered for the 2022 World Cup.
“This is possibly the only person who I actually was shaking when I greeted him,” Brazil head coach Tite said at a news conference Sunday. “I’m speaking from the bottom of my heart, a very emotional moment for me.
“I stopped and I started shaking,” the coach said, describing his first interaction. “My hands were sweating. My heartbeat increased. ‘Wow!’ I’m going to have the opportunity to greet Pelé.'”
“It’s something that all of us feel is a difficult moment,” Tite said, of monitoring the legend’s health.
Assistant coach César Sampaio added: “I also had … the blessing. I was a player who was in Santos, the same club as Pelé, and I had the opportunity to interact with him sometimes. The very first time I was capped for the national team, I had the opportunity to play with Pelé.”
“To talk to him and interact with him on the pitch — It was so difficult, you know, because of what he is, what he represents,” he continued. “It’s something I never thought would happen in my life.
“We just ask you all to please say a prayer, do whatever you do and please send him very positive vibes. He is a person who has influenced my development, not only as an athlete, but as a man and as a human being.”
Brazil faces off against South Korea in the Round of 16 at Stadium 974 in Doha on Monday.
Source : Nbcnewyork
