Pele passed away aged 82, it was announced on Thursday (Picture: Getty)
Premier League clubs will pay tribute to Pele this weekend following the passing of the Brazil legend.
The football icon passed away aged 82 on Thursday following a long battle with colon cancer.
Clubs across the English top flight will wear black armbands in honour of the three-time World Cup winner with a minute’s applause to be held ahead of kick-off, the Premier League have confirmed.
Four teams are in action on Friday night with West Ham United hosting Brentford while Liverpool take on Leicester City at Anfield.
Clubs and players from the football world have been paying tribute to the Brazilian with his home country beginning three days of mourning following his death.
‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pele, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended our sport and inspired millions throughout his remarkable career,’ a message from the Premier League’s official Twitter account said on Thursday.
‘Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Pele’s family and friends.’
There is a large Brazilian contingent playing in the Premier League with Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe planning to speak to his stars Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes after the passing of their national hero.
‘I’ll chat with the Brazilian players that we have,’ Howe said.
Pele’s death has dominated the headlines in English newspapers (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s an absolute giant in Brazil for obvious reasons for what he achieved for the country, so I’ll certainly be having a conversation and speaking to them about him.’
Global stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar all sent personal messages with the latter sharing an emotional tribute to his fellow Brazilian.
He wrote: ‘Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life.
‘But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pelé, football was just a sport.
‘Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment. Gave voice to the poor, blacks and mostly: Gave visibility to Brazil.
‘Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!’
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A minute’s applause will also be held before kick-off.
