Following the news of the three-time world champion’s passing, FAČR sends its condolences to the family, friends and all the admirers of one of the greatest players in history. “This is a sad moment for football around the world. For generations, Pelé was an unparalleled legend, the king of our sport. The whole football world will now mourn. After the recent celebration of football (at the World Cup) in Qatar, the sad moment is coming.” Fousek said.

Śilhavy stated that such news must be sad for every fan, “Football has lost its extraordinary personality and, without exaggerating, its symbol. I greatly admire and respect what (Pelé) has achieved and what he has done for world football.” said the coach of the Czech national team.

National team captain Tomáš Souček also described Pelé as a legend. “It’s incredible what he’s done. He was a legend not only of his time, but of our generation, and he deserves to stay that way forever. This is sad news for all of football.” Soucek said.

In a message on Twitter, goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík thanked Pelé for everything he did for football. “Rest in the peace of legend” he added. “He’s the greatest, he makes football look so simple” wrote former national team defender Tomáš Ujfaluši.

Pelé played four times against the Czechoslovak national team with a record of two wins, two draws and four goals. What is often remembered is the moment from the 1962 World Cup, where Czechoslovakia and Brazil met in the base group and in the final. In the first game, Pelé was injured, but due to time regulations, he was not allowed to replace him. So Josef Masopust ordered his teammates not to attack the famous opponent. In return, Pelé didn’t attack and only continued to pass when the ball reached him.

“Pele was the king. I admired him because he was a complete footballer. What he did at the age of seventeen in Sweden in 1958 impressed me. He could play with both feet, he could handle loops, he was fast, he had no problems with long balls, shots or play heads.” the FAČR website cites Masopust’s earlier statement.

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