Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has paid tribute to football icon Pele following his death in Brazil.
Aged 82, Pele passed away after a battle with colon cancer. During tomorrow's clash at Wolverhampton Wanderers, United's players will wear black armbands in memory of the former Santos striker and there will also be a minute's applause prior to kick off.
Speaking to the Reds' official website on Friday, Ten Hag sent a touching tribute to the Brazilian legend. He said: "It’s really sad news.
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"One of the biggest [players], maybe the biggest ever, has passed away and I send my condolences to his family and to the whole community of football. We [have] lost a big personality, a great football player, a winner of three World Cup titles, which is massive, and over 1000 goals.
"He was very elegant and I think he changed the game. He was a gentleman in every perspective."
United's Brazilian contingent posted their own tributes to Pele on Twitter yesterday evening. Fred tweeted: "Much more than a football idol.
"Simply the greatest athlete of all time. Maximum reference for all generations.
"May God receive you in peace, King." Casemiro followed his teammate's post with this tribute: "Rest in peace, King Pele.
"Thank you for the glory you gave Brazil and football. His legacy is eternal."
Antony received a message from Pele a matter of weeks ago after Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup by Croatia. Following the 82-year-old's passing, the former Ajax man tweeted: "The greatest of them all.
"The King, inspiration, example, the only, the eternal." United return to action on New Year's Eve when they visit Wolves in the day's early kick-off.
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