Jean-Claude Gerez
The meditation around Pelé’s coffin in Brazil began on Monday morning. The body of the “king”, who died last Thursday, was deposited in the center of the stadium of Santos, his hometown, where he played a large part of his life. Since Sunday, thousands of people have been waiting to be able to say a last goodbye to him.
The body of “King” Pelé has already traveled this Monday morning the 100 kilometers which separated it from Santos, his hometown, where his mother still resides. This city is also that of his first successes, of his lifelong club, FC Santos. The coffin of the idol of the Brazilians will be exposed this afternoon in the center of the lawn of the stadium. As of Sunday evening, thousands of fans were already lining up to say goodbye to their hero.
“It’s the last chance to see him and be near him”
The first to arrive is called Roberto. He traveled all day Sunday and took his place in front of the metal barriers arranged to channel the crowd. “I wanted to be in a good position to see the arrival of the king and to be one of the first to enter the stadium because there is not enough homage for Pelé. I prepared to stay there all day. night. I hope to be able to get back quickly and, if possible, go back a second time.”
In the queue, there is also Francielson. With his wife, he had planned to go to Lula’s investiture ceremony in Brasilia. But when he heard the news, his wife asked him to come to Santos. “We suddenly changed our minds because anyway, Lula is alive. Unfortunately, Pelé is dead, so this is the last chance to see him and be near him.”
The funeral wake will last 24 hours. Pelé will be buried in Santos Cemetery on Tuesday.