Pelé's daughter releases final photo of family surrounding football legend before his death

He was surrounded by his family and loved ones when he finally lost his two year battle with colon cancer.

But to his family he was simply Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

He was a father, a grandfather, a husband and a brother.

The image, shared by Kely Nascimento, his 55-year-old eldest child, shows the family surrounding Pelé and touching his hand in his final days.

The caption reads: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."

Excuse us while we grab a tissue, because that is utterly heartbreaking.

Shortly before Christmas, his daughter confirmed he would remain there over the holiday period, which would eventually end up becoming his final stay.

Despite the grim outlook for the terminal footballer, Pelé released a statement in early December encouraging everyone to stay 'calm and positive'.

“I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received," the footballer wrote.

He added: "I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too! Thank you so much for everything.”

Nascimento thanked the public for their ongoing support of her legendary dad.

"We, as always, thank you for all the love you show here in Brazil as well as around the world! Your love for him, your stories, and your prayers are a huge comfort because we know we are not alone," she said in a statement.