Pele buried on ninth floor of cemetery so he can see football pitch as part of his final wish

Sporting legend Pele's final wish has been fulfilled after arguably the greatest football player of all time's burial place was chosen.

The Brazilian superstar, who dazzled hundreds of millions of football fans and made himself the benchmark against which all other incredible players are measured, sadly died on 29 December aged 82.

He had been diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2021, and was admitted to hospital a month before his death, with his family confirming they expected him to be spending the festive season receiving care.

His family stayed at his bedside during his final days, with his daughter releasing an image of herself and several other family members holding his hand as he lay in his hospital bed.

Sadly, they later announced the news of his death, which came as a grievous blow for football fans around the world.

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Now the legend will be laid to rest, and his place of burial was carefully chosen in accordance with the footballer's final wishes.

According to the Daily Mirror, Pele's burial will take place tomorrow (3 January) on the ninth floor of a cemetery in his home city of Santos, Brazil, in tribute to his father who wore the number nine shirt when he played.

Pele himself was most famous for donning a number 10 jersey throughout a glittering career where he won three World Cups and plenty of other competitions.

His final resting place is also in sight of the Estádio Urbano Caldeira, the home of Santos FC where Pele played out most of his club career.

Fans believe Pele carefully chose the place of his burial so he will always be able to 'see' the pitch where he played so many games.

Heartbroken fans had arrived in droves outside the stadium to pay their respects to Pele with many bringing flags and shirts as tribute to the memory of an incredible player.

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Plenty were brought to tears at the loss of such an iconic figure who was respected all around the world.

Many famous figures in the beautiful game have paid tribute to Pele, including Argentine player Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile, joyous footage of Pele heading a ball back and forth with fellow footballing legend Diego Maradona has resurfaced.

Before the debates over who was better out of Messi and Ronaldo, the conversation was always about Pele and Maradona, and there are plenty of football fans who believe there never was and never will be another footballer to match his incredible talent and success.