The Brazilian Ronaldothe “phenomenon” explained its absence from the Pele’s funeral who died on December 29 aged 82.
“After the World Cup I took a week off and went to Punta Cana with my kids. It was very nice to rest. I was pretty much cell phone free, just enjoying the family. During this period our… King died. As I was already away, I couldn’t travel… I was already away with my family,” Ronaldo said speaking on a television programme.
The small presence of former players drew attention during the funeral, but also the 24-hour vigil for Pele, who was laid to rest at the Memorial Necrópole Ecumenica, in Santos, as reported by Brazil’s newspaper O’ Globo.
The only two world champions present were former midfielder Mauro Silva, now vice-president of the Sao Paulo Football Association, head of the team that lifted the cup in the USA, and Clodoaldo, Pele’s team-mate in the winning team in 1970 and also in the ‘golden » era of Santos.
The event had a big impact and even compared to Maradona, an Argentine icon who died in 2020 and former teammates, ex-players and other big names in local football paid tribute by attending his funeral.
Ronaldo was content to send a wreath, as did Neymar, while writing on Social Media: “Your talent is a school that every player must go through. Unique. Genius. Technical. Creative. Perfect. Unparalleled. Where Pele arrived, he stayed. Never leaving the top, he leaves us today. The king of football – only one. The greatest of all time. The sadness of parting mingles with the immense pride of written history. Your talent is a school every player must go through. His legacy spans generations. And that’s how you’ll live. Today and always, we will celebrate you. Thanks Pele. Rest in Peace”.
Source: News Beast
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