FIFA President Gianni Infantino has joined the rest of the world to pay tribute to late Brazilian football icon Pele who died on Thursday.
Pele was confirmed dead on Thursday by the family after a suffered several organ failure.
Since he was confirmed dead, tributes has continued to troop in both to his family, Brazil and the entire football world.
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Infantino in a statement on FIFA official website said: “this is the day we never wanted come – the day we lost Pele”.
“Pele had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped,” said Infantino in a statement published on Fifa’s website.
“His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world.
“His legacy is impossible to summarise in words.
“To his family and friends, to CBF, to Brazil and to all football fans who loved him so much, I express my sincere condolences.”
Everton manager Frank Lampard, speaking at a media conference this morning:
“My memories are of video footage as a young boy. Diego Maradona was my hero but Maradona and Pele were the greatest.
“I have huge respect for him as a player. He was a great man and a great player. You can imagine what he would be in the modern game.
“The reach of his game was huge and has stayed. That name will continue for ever more. It’s a sad day for football.”
Ghanaian football legend and three-time African Footballer of the Year, Abedi Ayew Pele.
Nicknamed after the Brazilian football legend, Abedi said he inspired him and many across the world.
“Personally, I was immensely inspired by his greatness, and to be likened to him and bear his iconic name throughout my playing time and beyond, is an absolute privilege and a priceless honour,” he said.
David Beckham has paid tribute to Pele on Instagram by posting a photo of the pair, saying: “It was HIS beautiful game.”
Former England football captain Beckham wrote in Portuguese: “Thank you and goodbye – rest in peace my friend.”
Ex-Brazil defender and World Cup winner Cafu said: “Pele dies, this news is not accurate… Pele will never die. Pele will never leave us.
“Pele will never cease to exist. Pele is eternal, Pele is King, Pele is unique… he just went to rest a little bit.”
In a similar development, the English Football Association announced that itwill light up the Wembley arch in Brazil colours and said: “Everyone who loves football, loves Pele.”
Eight-time Olympic champion in athletics Usain Bolt also paid tribute, describing Pele as “a sporting legend”.
The Twitter account of Brazil’s government described Pele as “our mighty Brazilian hero” who will be “immortalised by his genius”.
The Brazilian Football Confederation described him as “much more than the greatest sportsperson of all time”.
A statement said: “The King gave us a new Brazil and we are so thankful for his legacy.”
Wayne Rooney posted photos of the pair to Instagram, and wrote: “Rest in peace Pele. Legend.”
France striker Kylian Mbappe described Pele as “the king of football”, adding “his legacy will never be forgotten”.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus said: “Rest In Peace King. Your legacy is eternal!”
Scotland and Manchester United legend Denis Law said: “Pele was an unbelievable footballer, he had style, grace, flair and made everything look easy.
“The fact that he was only 17 when he played in a World Cup final speaks for itself. The precision in the way he played made him such a joy to watch…magical. However, more than anything he was a good man with a great presence and a fantastic smile.”