Pele Pay Tributes To Carlos Alberto

 

Brazilian football is in mourning following the death of Carlos Alberto with Pele calling him a friend and brother. The captain of Brazil's 1970 World Cup winning side died on Tuesday at the age of 72 from a heart attack with Pele and former West Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer leading the tributes.

A period of official mourning for three days was announced, as well as flags at the CBF (Confederacao Brasileira de Futebol) headquarters to be flown at half-mast and a minute's silence ahead of fixtures. Pele played alongside Alberto for Brazil, Santos and also later as part of a star-studded line-up for the New York Cosmos, which also included Beckenbauer, skipper of the West Germany side which won the 1974 World Cup.

On his Twitter account, Pele said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend and brother. Dear God, please take care of our 'Capitao'. Rest In Peace.” A black-and-white picture of the duo embracing during their time at the Cosmos was attached to the post.

The Brazilian Football Federation confirmed the shock news on their website saying “It is with huge regret from the CBF that the world of football has been surprised by the death of Carlos Alberto Torres. The legend of the Brazilian national team, the captain of the three-time winners of 1970, died in Rio de Janeiro, victim of a heart attack. The wake will be held at the CBF building in Barra da Tijuca. Details will be announced soon. The president of the CBF, Marco Polo Del Nero, has declared official mourning for three days. The organisation's headquarters flags are half-mast. All matches in competitions organised by the CBF will have one minute of silence. At 72, Carlos Alberto Torres leaves a huge legacy of achievements and significant collaboration for the development of our football. Thank you, Capita. Your story will forever be with us.”

Alberto won a total of 53 caps for Brazil, retiring from international football in 1978 following a battle against persistent knee problems. The World Cup-winning skipper remained a popular figure in Brazil, recently working as a commentator for broadcaster TV Globo on the SporTV cable channel, including just days before his death.