Former President of the United States, Barack Obama has mourned Brazil football Legend, Pele, who died on Thursday at the age of 82.
He died at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.
The football star had been treated for colon cancer, following surgery to remove a tumour in September 2021, and had required regular medical treatment.
After being admitted back into the hospital at the end of November to re-evaluate his cancer treatment, he was diagnosed with a respiratory infection before subsequently being moved to palliative care when his body became unresponsive to chemotherapy.
The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter, Kely Nascimento on Instagram.
Obama shared a picture of him holding a Brazilian jersey autographed by Pele with the legend seated in a wheelchair.
He wrote on his official Instagram handle: “Pele was one of the greatest to ever play the Beautiful Game. And as one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.”
