record of Pele’s death-fans can’t believe it, Brazil ‘earthquake’, Santos mourns for 7 days

On December 30th, French media team newspaper reporter Eric Frosio recorded the whole process of Pele’s death in real time in Rio de Janeiro.
The usually noisy Rio de Janeiro subway was shut down on Thursday. Towards 4 p.m., those who stared at the phone realized that it was inevitable. With rumors and fake news over the past few days, some Brazilians want to be hopeful. “as long as it’s not official, I don’t want to believe it.” A 50-year-old man complained that his neighbor told him that Bailey had just died.
Walking further, a man rubbed his eyes and shed a few tears. Worried, the people of Rio quickened their pace. Go home or watch the TV news to get information. In a bar and restaurant, their Brazilian global television station just interrupted the program to announce the terrible news.
“this is a blow to Brazil and to the world.” Levi, 60, lamented that his son Rafael, 33, quickly comforted him. Humberto, 46, with a cigarette in one hand and a beer in the other, watched Bailey’s face roll across the screen, his eyes moist. “the next few hours will be difficult. I can only mourn his death, but I was prepared. We want to say thank you! ”
The day before, in Maracana, people had thanked Pele at the “jogo das estrelas” (the French star competition) organized by Zico. At the initiative of the former flamenco 10, all the players in this traditional charity competition wore a jersey with the king’s silhouette and slogan: “Pele Eternity”.
Zico is still praying for Pele: “he will survive because he is a soldier and the whole world wants him to be reunited with his family.”
“he has all these qualities at the same time, and he is our idol, role model and legend. We all dream of being a kid like Pele in the yellow shirt of the Brazilian national team. ” Legendary Brazilian defender Aldair told the team newspaper, “but I soon learned that I don’t have the talent to play as a striker.”… No more daydreaming. ”
Romulo, 58, explained to us: “I have been praying every day since he was hospitalized. I don’t want to believe that he will leave us. ”
Bailey died of colon cancer at 03:27 local time on December 29th. In the front yard of a store, dozens of curious people and fans gathered to silently salute him.
80km away, in front of the pristine and real Santos Stadium, the same scene seems to be happening. Supporters and tourists from this seaside town arrive at the entrance to Vila Belmiro, which will become the center of the world in the next few days.
At the request of three world champions (1958, 1962 and 1970), a ceremony will be held in his “garden” on Monday. The reception desk has been urgently set up, and a gold coffin (photos have been posted online) should hold the man who has scored more than 1200 goals in a Santos uniform.
While waiting for details of the ceremony, Mayor Santos has announced a seven-day mourning period. “We have lost an example, a genius who has spread the names of our cities and clubs all over the world.” He said in particular.
Santos is a small port city with 433000 residents, the most famous of which is 30-year-old Neymar (Neymar). The Parisian player grew up near the Santos Stadium in San Vicente and has always been regarded by Kenny Dalglish as his treasure.
From Neymar to Romario to Adriano and Cafu, they all paid tribute to Pele. Cafu wrote: “Bailey does not die, Bailey forever.”
Football queen Marta even cried when she wished her idol rest in peace. The Brazilian Football Association, all professional clubs and leading figures in Brazilian society, such as future President Lula, who will take office on Sunday, have also published an article commemorating their king or supporting his family.