Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his grief over the death of Brazilian soccer legend Pele, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 82.
In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, Buhari paid tribute to Pele on behalf of all Nigerians, calling him a “football icon” and a “UN Ambassador of goodwill.”
“He led a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of global football in particular and world sport in general,” the statement said.
“He had an enormous generousity of spirit and humility despite his greatness as a footballer and sportsman. He also built bridges across nations, races and even religions.”
Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, won three World Cups and scored over 1,281 goals in his career, becoming the original football icon.
He was named the “Player of the Century” in 2000 and is widely regarded as the greatest football player of all time.
“Pele is gone but the world will never forget him,” Buhari said in the statement. “May he rest in peace. RIP.”
