MARGAO
Emotional tributes poured in from all quarters in memory of legendary Pele with Goan coaches, former international footballers and administrators remembering the 'Black Pearl' as the "true king" of the game. "For me he is the greatest player of all time, winning three World Cups. I didn’t see him play during his prime but got the opportunity to see him when he visited India with Cosmos. I have seen his goals on video," said Derrick Pereira, former international defender and coach of India under-23 team.
"Pele was the GOAT before the debate opened up after football’s reach widened through television and now social media. We grew up hearing about Pele and seeing his exploits on the field through documentaries and films. He set benchmarks that remained unsurpassed given the facilities and money available in that era, unlike the present times where footballers earn unimaginable sums. He will go down in history as a legend ranking among the greatest of all time," said Elvis Gomes, former president of Goa Football Association.
"As a child, I grew up watching his videos, playing football, and reading his inspiring stories about how he became a household name despite coming from a poor background. Such an inspiration for all of us. May his soul rest in eternal peace," said Maria Rebello, FIFA referee assessor and former India captain.
"We have been lucky to have been born in the same era as Pele, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, four GOATs that football lovers will continue talking about for generations to come," said Gasper Crasto, former Salgaocar SC player.
"We lost one of the greatest footballers, King Pele. Haven't seen him playing but watching his videos inspired me to take football seriously," said Alvito D'Cunha, former India attacking midfielder. "For me, he is the Greatest of all time."
"The beautiful game doesn't die. Pele will never die. Pele is going to go on forever. Rest in peace the King, the legend Pele," said Climax Lawrence, former India captain and attacking midfielder. "It's a sad day for football around the world. My deep condolence to the bereaved family," said Mahesh Gawli, former India central defender.
