Harry Kane, the captain of England, has called Pele “an inspiration” as the football community reacted to grave health concerns regarding the legendary Brazilian World Cup player.
Seven years ago, Pele lauded a young Harry Kane who had just been selected for England’s squad after making an impression for Tottenham in the Premier League.
He called Kane, who was 21 at the time, a “excellent” talent and advised him to take care of his physical health and never think he was the best in his field.
In his remarks at an England press conference on Saturday, ahead of the last-16 match against Senegal in Qatar in 2022, Kane fondly recalled that compliment.
According to reports in Brazil, Pele, 82, who has been battling cancer, has been transferred to palliative care. Pele or his family have not confirmed this information.
Kane said: “First and foremost, we send our best wishes to him, and his family.”
Reminded of Pele’s generous praise in 2015, Kane said: “He’s an inspiration in our game, an incredible footballer and an incredible person and to hear those words from him was really special. As someone who is always learning, he was spot on with his advice.
“It’s sad to hear that news, we wish him well, not just me but the whole England squad.”
As a 17-year-old playing for Brazil, Pele won the World Cup that year, and he also contributed to the Selecao’s victories in 1962 and 1970.
Pele is widely regarded as the greatest player in World Cup history, and players like former champions Kylian Mbappe and Rivaldo were quick to wish him well on Saturday as troubling information about his health surfaced.
According to reports, Pele, who was admitted to the hospital for what were reportedly routine checks, is not responding to the chemotherapy treatment. According to the Sao Paulo newspaper Folha, Pele is currently receiving painkillers in a hospice ward.
