Football: 'Pray for Pele' says Brazil assistant coach
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Pele is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time.
PHOTO: AFP
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DOHA - Brazil’s assistant coach Cesar Sampaio on Sunday asked the footballing world to send its prayers to Pele as the icon receives treatment in hospital for a respiratory infection.
The 82-year-old Pele, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, was hospitalised last week
“Regardless of your religion, we ask you to say a prayer or do whatever you do to send him your good vibes,” Sampaio told reporters at the World Cup on the eve of Brazil’s last-16 clash with South Korea.
Head coach Tite also spoke about the esteem with which Pele is held in his homeland.
“He is possibly the only person with whom I was shaking when I met him,” said Tite.
“I was shaking, my hands were sweating, my heart skipped a beat and I thought, ‘Wow, I’m going to meet Pele!’“
Pele said on Saturday that he felt “strong, with a lot of hope”.
“My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive,” Pele said in an Instagram post. “I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual.”
Media reports earlier on Saturday said that the three-time World Cup winner was receiving end-of-life care. AFP
