Pelé will forever be celebrated in his native Brazil, around the world and, of course, in New York, not only for his great footballing talent, but also for his human qualities.
“All Brazilians, I can tell you, were proud to have this man, who was so simple, without arrogance, everyone loved this man,” said Domicio Coutinho, founder of the Brazilian Foundation for the Arts.
Coutinho, 91 and founder of a Brazilian cultural center, has shared with Pelé on at least three occasions. The first at an airport in Brazil, the second in Mexico and the third in New York City.
“When Pelé saw me, ‘Doctor Coutinho!’, from a distance, he recognized me, I was surprised! Who am I? His memory, it was something fantastic. He knows a million people and, who am I among a million of people he could recognize?” Coutinho said.
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Jogo bonito in Portuguese or beautiful game, was the characteristic style of the soccer champion, due to his ability to improvise, almost dancing as he moved the ball from side to side.
“He was a genius for the game, I never saw anyone, any player who could come close to what he was capable of doing. He could approach two or three players with the ball and shoot on goal,” added Coutinho.
Coutinho.
Pelé has participated in four World Cups and won three, a record that no other footballer has achieved. And during his visits to the city, he liked to visit SOB’s or Sonidos de Brasil club to listen to the music of his land with the community of Brazilians and Latinos living in New York.
“SOB opened in ’82, we were “Sounds of Brazil” and Pelé came on Saturday nights, our samba nights. He only came with a bodyguard and mingled with the people. He would stay on the dance floor for a couple of hours and have a few drinks,” said Larry Gold, founder of SOB’s (Sounds of Brazil).
“It was that spirit of kindness, that came from the ghetto, that came with little to conquer through football. He became the greatest, one of the best players, and also a being full of kindness, humanitarianism, a gentleman gifted beyond conviction. He was great to be in his presence,” Gold added.
On Tuesday, relatives, friends and fans said their last goodbyes at the Urbano Caldeira stadium in Santos, São Paulo.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced he will ask all countries to have at least one stadium named in memory of Pele.
“May his soul rest in peace, may my friend rest in peace,” concluded Coutinho.
