Lengthy-time barber mourns dying of soccer hero Pele By Reuters

SANTOS, Brazil (Reuters) – A barber who first met Brazilian soccer legend Pele within the Nineteen Fifties and lower his hair for many years stated on Friday he hoped God would handle the late athlete.

Pele, who died on Thursday aged 82, rose from poverty to grow to be one of many best athletes in fashionable historical past and the one man to win three World Cups as a participant.

“He got here to have his hair lower a few instances a month and to chop his beard it was each two days,” stated Joao Araujo, who stated he first met Pele in 1956 or 1957 and whose barber store within the metropolis of Santos homes memorabilia of the star. Pele spent most of his enjoying profession at Santos soccer membership.

Araujo stated he final noticed Pele, who suffered colon most cancers, final 12 months.

“(I hope) God takes care of him.”