Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Pele

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to footballing legend Pele, after the Brazilian passed away at the age of 82.

The three-time World Cup winner and one of the greatest football players of all time, died on Thursday after battling with cancer.

A message on the former striker’s Twitter said: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever.”

Tributes have poured in for the legendary football player who scored over 1,000 goals during a career spanning over two decades.

Pele scored 77 goals in 92 matches for Brazil and won the FIFA World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

Three days of national mourning have been declared in Brazil and Premier League clubs will honour Pele’s contribution to football by holding a minute’s applause prior to matches this weekend.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Pele’s legacy.

“On behalf of Manchester City, biggest condolences to his family,” said Pep Guardiola.

“Football is football thanks to these kinds of people. Before number ten was just a number, after became something special, every player wants to wear number ten. What he has done for football is there and will remain.”

“I was not born when he was playing. It’s like a good movie, the legacy that we’re still talking about him, about a good movie, a good book, because he was so good.

“Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Messi, Beckenbauer, Cristiano Ronaldo, these players will be eternal. They have done many things for many years, these types of players make our business, our job, a better place.

“What he produced for the feeling for the people. We have seen the World Cup, one team can produce for a country, it’s incredible. It’s not another event can produce this emotion. This part of exceptional players can produce the emotion for the players.”