Brazil legend Pele has paid tribute to his friend Muhammad Ali, calling the late boxing great his ‘hero’ and and an ‘idol’ for millions around the world.
Ali had battled Parkinson’s disease for 32 years before his death on Friday in Phoenix, Arizona.
The 74-year-old had been admitted to hospital on Monday after falling ill with a respiratory condition, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said.
Mr Gunnell said Ali died at 9.10pm local time, surrounded by his family for the last hour of his life.
Pele – who won three World Cups with Brazil and is widely recognised as the greatest ever footballer – paid tribute to Ali while in Manchester on Saturday at an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s humanitarian aid charity, Human Appeal.
The 75-year-old said of Ali: “He used to say he was my brother. We had many opportunities to be together in time… we worked together for children in UNICEF.
“He once told me ‘Football is more beautiful than boxing, but I am more beautiful than you.’
“I saw him last year. We went to his house, we did an interview for a hospital in Brazil – a children’s hospital I work for.”
Pele also took to Instagram to mark Ali’s passing, posting a picture of the pair together with the accompanying caption: “The sporting universe has just suffered a big loss.
“Muhammad Ali was my friend, my idol, my hero.
“We spent many moments together and always kept a good connection throughout the years.
“The sadness is overwhelming. I wish him peace with God. And I send love and strength to his family.”
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