Brazil legend Pele has paid tribute to his “great friend” Diego Maradona after it was confirmed the Argentine icon had passed away.
The death of the former Napoli, Barcelona and Boca Juniors hero was confirmed on Wednesday following the news he had suffered a heart attack.
Pele and Maradona are hailed as two of the most talented stars to ever play the game and debate has long raged on regarding which was better.
And 80-year-old Pele says the world has lost an iconic figure in Maradona and says they will one day play football together in another realm.
The pair enjoyed a great sporting rivalry, despite playing in different eras. From that rivalry sprang mutual respect and even friendship.
That is why Pele was moved to pay tribute to Maradona upon hearing of his passing.
“Certainly, one day we’ll kick a ball together in the sky above, Diego. It is so sad to lose friends like this.” said Pele.
The man known was ‘O Rei’ gave the brief statement to Reuters via a representative.
Pele won three World Cups with Brazil, in 1958, 1962 and 1970, while Maradona became a world champion with Argentina in 1986. Both lifted the trophy in the legendary Estadio Azteca.
