Pele, a Brazilian legend, has promised forward Neymar that he will continue to punch the air with joy with every goal the Paris Saint-Germain star scores.
Pele stated this in a lengthy emotional message he sent to Neymar on Saturday via his Instagram account.
The 82-year-old, who is currently recovering in Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital after his chemotherapy treatment stopped working, was congratulating Neymar on matching his record of 77 goals for Brazil.
Neymar equaled Pele’s 77-goal record for Brazil after scoring against Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Friday.
And Pele, who is currently undergoing treatment for a respiratory infection exacerbated by 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 there 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, who is currently 30 years old, will now hope to play for Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he will be 34 years old.
