A storm hit the soccer world on 29th December when news of Brazilian magician Pele passing away broke. The soccer legend left a lot of memories. His contribution to soccer was immense. The Athlete of the Century strived for the betterment of soccer throughout. 

Pele played for his entire career in Brazil with Santos and announced his retirement in 1974. However, he came out of retirement in 1975 and joined a club, New York Cosmos, playing for the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the United States.

The NASL club roped him in to raise the popularity of soccer in the US. The former Santos legend played for three seasons and was immense in increasing the popularity of soccer during his tenure. Many soccer legends over the world came to play in NASL following his footsteps. Although, the statement made by the legend after announcing his retirement in 1977 left fans emotional. 

Pele was satisfied with the role he played in the development of soccer in the US

The passing away of the 3X World Cup winner has left soccer fans with tons of memories. US soccer fans from the early 1980s remember an emotional statement made by the legend when he announced his retirement in 1977. Brazilian legend, while speaking to the media, said, “I can die now.”

He felt satisfied with his role in the development of soccer in the US to the grassroots. His stint at New York Cosmos opened the door to a host of soccer legends to play in NASL. Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, Johan Cruyff, Bobby Moore, Eusebio, and George Best were some big names that went to North America. 

In his last season with Cosmos, Pele won a Soccer Bowl. Cosmos kept attracting record crowds during those days, as fans wanted to see Pele on the field. Pele retired from soccer on 1st October 1977 after playing an exhibition match between Cosmos and Santos, the only clubs he played for.

The Brazilian legend played one half with Santos and the other with Cosmos. “Love is more important than what we can take in life,” was Pele’s message at his last game.

The Brazilian legend was fighting a battle with chronic disease

The Athlete of the 20th century had cancer of the colon since September 2021. He was undergoing chemotherapy and, amidst some respiratory complications, was admitted to the hospital in Sao Paulo on the 29th of last month.

Read More: “Goodbye to the Eternal King”: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Soccer World Bid Tear-Jerking Farewell to Pele

Pele followed and enjoyed every moment of the Qatar FIFA World Cup from the hospital, sending occasional messages from his social media handle. However, his battle against the chronic condition ended on 29th December, and the legend left us for the heavens.

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Let us know your thoughts on the legendary career of the Brazilian magician.