Pele has no doubt that many of the Brazil players have a burning desire to fulfil promises they made to the nation and their families to win the FIFA World Cup as he did back in 1958 at the age of 17.
Brazil are one of the favourites to lift the prestigious World Cup trophy, having won it a record five times.
The current talented squad of Neymar, Richarlison, Thiago Silva and Vinicius Jr are on track to make Pele and South Americans proud as they thrashed South Korea 4-1 to book a place in the quarterfinal of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Before the last 16 encounter, Pele, regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time, shared inspiring words with Brazil from his hospital bed at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, where he is getting treatment for Cancer.
PELE’S WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
“In 1958, in Sweden, I was walking through the streets thinking about fulfilling the promise I made to my father. I know that many of the national teams made similar promises and are also looking for their first World Cup,” he said on Instagram.
“I want to inspire you, my friends. I’ll watch the game from here at the hospital, and I’ll be rooting for each one of you. We are on this journey together. Good luck to our Brazil.”
Brazil made him proud, producing a beautiful display to breeze into the last eight with Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta finding the back of the net.
Neymar and Co. also paid tribute to Pele as they were seen on the field of play after the game carrying a banner written: ‘Pele’ with a picture of the legend in a joyful mood after winning the 1970 World Cup with Brazil.
PELE’S HEALTH CONDITION
Pele has been in chemotherapy since September 2021 after an operation for a colon tumour.
According to reports, Pele recently stopped responding to chemo with claims that he is in end-of-life care.
However, his family denied the reports, with Pele’s daughter Flavia Nascimento insisting that the only man to win three World Cups is in hospital due to a respiratory infection.
Millions of football fans around the world, including athletes, have been sending messages of support to Pele.
“It’s hard to talk about the moment Pele is going through, but I wish him all the best,” said Neymar.
“I hope he gets back in good health as soon as possible and that he can at least be comforted with today’s victory and with the banner we dedicate to him at the end.”
Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr wants to win the global showpiece for Pele.
“I would also like to send a big hug to Pele, who needs a lot of strength from us, and this victory goes to him. That everything goes well, that he can get out of this situation and that we can be champions for him”, he said.
Brazil last won the World Cup 20 years ago, in 2002, and coach Tite and his troops are eager to break the drought for Pele.
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