“Some of us dreamt to be like icon Pele, He made 10 jersey beauty” – Mahama

Former President John Mahama has said it is “sad to hear the passing of Edson Arantes do Nascimento simply known to the world as Pele”.

“My heart goes out to his family and indeed the entire football fraternity across the globe”, he mourned in a post on Thursday, 29 December 2022 shortly after the three-time World Cup champion died after battling cancer.

Brazil’s Pele, one of the greatest footballers that ever lived, beautified the game and iconised the No. 10 shirt.

The former Ghanaian leader said Pele “inspired many of us, as children, some of whom grew up to become great footballers”.

“He also was an icon for those of us who never got round to mastering the game”, he noted.

Mr Mahama said: “In the brief moments we had the ball at our feet, we dreamed that we were like the great soccer maestro”.

“He was a respected global ambassador and symbol of courage, peace and hope for many, particularly the black race”.

“Rest in endless peace!” he mourned.