Pele, a legendary player from Brazil, promised forward Neymar that he would continue to punch the air in celebration after each goal the Paris Saint-Germain star scores.
This was said by Pele in a lengthy, heartfelt letter he wrote to Neymar on Saturday via his Instagram account.
The 82-year-old, who has been receiving treatment at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo after his chemotherapy treatment failed, congratulated Neymar on matching his record of 77 goals for Brazil.
As you may recall, Neymar scored against Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, matching Pele’s record of 77 goals for Brazil.
Pele, who is receiving treatment for a respiratory illness that was made worse by the coronavirus (COVID-19), wrote: “I saw you grow up, I cheered for you every day and finally, I can congratulate you on equaling my number of goals with the Brazilian National Team.
“Unfortunately, the day is not the happiest for us, but you will always be the source of inspiration that many aspire to become. I have learned as time goes by the more our legacy grows. My record was set almost 50 years ago, and no one has come close to it until now. U got their boy This values the greatness of your achievement, @neymarjr.
“I am 82, and after all this time, I hope I have inspired you in some way to make it this far.
“Your legacy is far from over. Keep inspiring us all. I’ll continue to punch the air of happiness with every goal you score, as I did in every match I saw you on the field.”
Neymar is currently 30 years old, and he will have to work to stay in shape so that he can represent Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he will be 34.