The day after Pelé’s death has new tributes even with rain in Santos

The first day without Pelé, who died last Thursday (29) from multiple organ failure as a result of the progression of colon cancer, was marked by several tributes in Santos, on the coast of São Paulo, and considerable movement in the main strongholds related to the King of Football.

Even under heavy rain, fans paid tribute to the King of Football, mainly at the Pelé Museum, in Vila Belmiro —the stage where he played 210 of the 1116 games for Santos- and in the square with the bust of the player, located on channel 5.

In the first place, even before the official opening, there was already movement of people for visitation. A banner with the phrase “Obrigado, Rei” was displayed right at the entrance by the administration.

On the sidewalk, several flowers formed a heart. Entrance to visit the equipment was free, with several people shouting the name of the former player in the space.

“I’m from Corinthians, but above all I love football and the incredible King Pelé,” said physiotherapist João Paulo Costa, 43.

In Vila Belmiro, the movement of international news agencies and journalists intensified.

The barbershop owned by João Araújo, Didi, Pelé’s personal friend and hairdresser since 1956, opened for the first time. While serving customers, the place was almost completely filled with reporters.

“The movement is very difficult with you here. I stop and I don’t gain anything”, complained Didi, who remembered the King of Football.

“I created the topknot for him, cut it that way until the last minute. The last time I was with him was last year. I lost a friend, Brazil and the world, a symbol. It moves us a lot”.

Santos, in turn, opened the stadium gate for access to the two monuments in honor of the King —the place became the most visited spot of the day, forming queues for photos.

Former winger Manoel Maria, Pelé’s closest friend, mourned his friend’s death nearby. “I thank God for having placed such a special person in my life, I feel privileged for the close friendship between so many people he has known,” he said.

He said that the last contact with Pelé took place on December 13, already in the hospital. “In fact, at the time, they said he would spend Christmas at home, but things changed, the disease worsened and he ended up leaving”, he added.

Hundreds of people also passed by the bust in honor of Pelé on channel 5 to leave flower seedlings, take selfies and share memories of the King. The monument is next to Padaria A Santista, a well-known stronghold of former players and fans.

The place, opened on December 11, 2011, is officially called Recanto da Torcida Santista, a tribute from friends and fans. He even got to celebrate one of his birthdays.

“He was a genius and a wonderful person. Every time I went to meet him, he always helped me. That’s why, my whole life, I was and will be in love with him,” said teacher Vilma Mattos de Lima, 69, known as Vilminha Santista, former advisor to the club.

She proudly displayed two photos and an autograph with a dedication from the King of Football.

Among those present, former strikers Serginho Chulapa and Aluísio Guerreiro, father of Júnior Moraes, today at Corinthians, in addition to former goalkeeper Carlos Pierin, Lalá.

“When I saw him for the first time I got nervous, I shook all over, I couldn’t even say anything. He was always one of our people, pure simplicity”, recalled Serginho.

In addition to the flower seedlings, the site also received a brazilwood seedling. The idea came from one of the clients of Carlos Eduardo Fernandes, owner of the establishment, who intended to deliver the item to Pelé while he was still alive.

“I was his friend for over 20 years”, recalled Carlinhos, who also created the statue. “We had the idea of ​​making a crowdfunding to fund this tribute, and it was inaugurated on his mother’s birthday, on November 15”, he added.

Drivers drove by, honking at those present or shouting in tribute to the King of Football.

Santos City Hall also exhibited at the José Bonifácio Palace, its headquarters, flower arrangements positioned with the spelling of the name Pelé.

In addition, he also announced that he will promote a drone show at the turn of the year to honor the former player. On Saturday, at 10 pm – 10 pm, the number alluding to the shirt worn by Pelé – 80 drones will portray the trajectory of Edson Arantes do Nascimento with shapes and colors.

The presentation will show the Minas Gerais town of Três Corações, the arrival in Santos and its conquests in the fields of the world. Afterwards, the Municipal Symphony Orchestra will play the two anthems of Santos Futebol Clube.