The statue of Christ the Redeemer, symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, was dyed green and yellow this Thursday as a sign of respect for the death of the only three-time world soccer champion, Pelé.
The statue that crowns the Corcovado hill was illuminated with the colors of the Brazilian flag and the Canarinha jersey, which Pelé wore so many times in the nearby Maracana stadium.
Throughout Brazil, tributes and memories multiplied to Edson Arantes de Nascimento "Pelé", who died today at the age of 82 in Sao Paulo, as a result of colon cancer.
The Government of Brazil decreed three days of mourning for the death of the striker who won the World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and who has been considered the best soccer player of the 20th century by FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
