New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the demise of Brazilian football legend Pele and said that his passing away ‘leaves an irreplaceable void’ in the world of sports.

“The passing away of Pelé leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of sports. A global football superstar, his popularity transcends boundaries. His outstanding sporting performances and success will keep inspiring the coming generations. Condolences to his family and fans. RIP,” PM Modi tweeted.

The passing away of Pelé leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of sports. A global football superstar, his popularity transcends boundaries. His outstanding sporting performances and success will keep inspiring the coming generations. Condolences to his family and fans. RIP.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2022

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Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 after battling bowel cancer.

A few days back, the football legend’s health deteriorated, and doctors said he needed care for renal and cardiac dysfunction. He was also undergoing treatment for a respiratory infection that was aggravated by COVID-19.

Indian sports fraternity condoles demise

From Indian cricketers to hockey players, all expressed grief on ‘Black Pearl’s death.

“You will be missed, king. You are an inspiration, an icon, a legend. Your legacy will live forever,” tweeted India cricketer Suryakumar Yadav.

You will be missed, king 💔
Your are an inspiration, an icon, a legend. Your legacy will live forever. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/N4FmEDsec1

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) December 29, 2022

“May his soul rest in peace,” tweeted Indian hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

“The legend @Pele has passed away at the age of 82. GOAT, A trailblazer and One of the finest players to ever lace up. He will be missed by millions,” tweeted Indian Paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat.

Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is considered as one of the greatest to ever step a foot on a football pitch. He is the only player to have won three World Cup titles, having won the top prize in football in 1958, 1962 and 1970. The footballer also boasts of numerous trophies at the club and country level.

At the FIFA World Cup, Pele scored 12 goals in 14 matches across four editions, the second most by any Brazilian after Ronaldo.

Pele is widely regarded as the game’s most gifted player. With 77 goals in 92 games, he continues to be the top goal scorer for Brazil.

Pele is the most successful top-division scorer in the sport with 541 goals in 560 games. He totalled 1283 goals in 1363 games including the friendlies.

(With inputs from ANI)