Pele’s daughter shares last picture after father’s death

Pele’s daughter Kely Nasicmento shared a poignant photo of her father bravely fighting right until the end just days before the Brazil legend’s death was confirmed. It was announced on Thursday evening that the three-time World Cup winner had lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 82.

The world of football is now in mourning after losing one of its most iconic figures. And his daughter took to Instagram after the news broke to write: “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”

Kely and the rest of Pele’s family had spent time with him in hospital in the days and weeks leading up to his death. She provided an update a few days ago when she wrote: “These moments are hard to explain. Sometimes there is a lot of sadness and despair, other times we laugh and talk of fun memories.

“And what we learn most from all this is that we have to look for each other, and hold tight. Only when it’s all worth it. With it all together.”

She had also praised the staff at the hospital helping Pele through his last moments. On Boxing Day she wrote: “To see our dad being treated by these care professionals, super competent and extremely caring. Not a moment goes by that we forget this privilege. Even in sadness we can only be thankful.”

Tributes are now being paid from far and wide, with the whole world in agreement that Pele was one of the greatest and most iconic players to have ever taken to a football pitch. Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker took to Twitter to write: “Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men.

“He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.”

And England’s 1966 World Cup hero Geoff Hurst added his condolences, saying: “I have so many memories of Pele, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside). For me Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you.”