Legendary Brazilian football player, Pele, has paid a glowing tribute to former teammate, Carlos Alberto, who was confirmed dead this evening after a heart attack.
The late 72-year-old Brazilian footballer was a right full back for his country, playing 53 times including captaining Brazil to winning the 1970 World Cup.
He is also credited with one of the greatest goals in World Cup history in the 1970 final against Italy, rounding off a sublime team move with a powerful low finish.
After the announcement of his former captain’s death a few hours ago, legendary Pele took to Instagram to express his sadness at the turn of events.
He wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend and brother @capita70. I have so many good memories of our time spent together as teammates and champions at @santosfc, @cbf_futebol and @nycosmos. We had a winning partnership, and even after football, we remained very close. I send my sincere condolences to his family and may his soul Rest in Peace. Dear God, please take care of our “Capitão”.”
Reactions have also trailed the demise of the former Brazilian defender, some of them have been captured below:
RIP the author of the most iconic run for goal by fullback Carlos Alberto at the 1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico https://t.co/wCKCz9nWJH
— Carlos Recinos (@coachrecinos) October 25, 2016
Sad to hear that Carlos Alberto has passed. I must have watched that goal from the 1970 World Cup Final 1000 times when I was a kid. #Legend
— Stuart O’Shaughnessy (@Shocko_10) October 25, 2016
It was you know. RIP Carlos Alberto. World Cup winning Captain of the greatest team ever. https://t.co/mslxUa17HC
— Nughman Naz (@NughmanN) October 25, 2016
R.I.P to one of Brazil’s greatest ever players. Carlos Alberto??❤️
— Niall Heaton (@niall143) October 25, 2016
Carlos Alberto Goal 1970 World Cup Final https://t.co/G7gTsrt4QW
— Tommy A (@djtommya) October 25, 2016
