Along with the entire footballing world, FC Bayern is mourning the loss of one of the greatest players in history: Pelé, who has died at the age of 82, will never be forgotten by the German record champions. The three-time World Cup winner from Brazil thrilled fans around the globe in the days of Franz Beckenbauer, with whom he also played together at New York Cosmos in the late 1970s, where the two became good friends.
FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer: "The FC Bayern family is mourning with fans from all over the world for Pelé, who will forever be remembered as one of the greatest characters in footballing and sporting history. If you think of football, of the beauty, the magic of this game, you think of Pelé. There will never be another like Pelé in this world."
CEO Oliver Kahn: "Pelé was a personality made up of over 1,000 goals - and much more: he inspired and thrilled generations of fans all over the world, on and off the pitch. Even people who have never seen him play live know about his unique magic. Pelé is one of the few immortals of our time."
Board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić: "Pelé was the most important and greatest ambassador of football in the world for more than six decades across all generations. Football today is mourning the loss of a brilliant sportsman who made everything he did on the pitch look so incredibly easy. He will be missed."
Honorary president Franz Beckenbauer: "Football has lost the greatest player in its history today - and I have lost a unique friend. Born in Três Corações, Pelé had three hearts: for football, for his family and for everyone. Someone who played with the stars and always stayed grounded. I went to the USA in 1977 because I really wanted to play in a team with Pelé at New York Cosmos. That time alongside him was one of the greatest experiences of my career. We became North American champions at the first attempt, and from that moment on, Pelé only ever called me his brother. That was an unimaginable honour for me. Football will always belong to you! You will always be here. Thank you for your game, O Rei!"
Honorary president Uli Hoeneß: "I will never forget sitting in front of the television watching the 1970 World Cup and marvelling at this unique player, just like the whole world did: Like he was from another universe! Pelé was a gift - a gift to the entire footballing family."