‘Your legacy remains’: Bruno Guimaraes and Eddie Howe lead emotional Newcastle United tributes to Pele

Brazilian Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes led tributes to footballing legend Pele following his passing on Thursday evening.

Pele, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, died at the age of 82 on Thursday, December 29 at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo following a battle with cancer.

The charismatic footballer is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches and is the only player in the history of the sport to win three World Cups - one of which at just 17 years old in 1958. Three days of mourning have been declared in his home country.

In recent years Newcastle United have seen the arrival of Brazilian stars in Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes - both now key components to the backbone of Eddie Howe's in-form side.

Joelinton shared an image of Pele writing "rest in peace, King" and Bruno penned his own tribute to the footballing legend.

The midfielder wrote: "What remains, King, is your legacy, your story and everything you did. We are grateful for everything you have provided. Rest in peace."

The club itself also paid tribute to Pele as 'one of the greatest of all time' and in his press conference on Friday, Eddie Howe said: "In my era, you grew up knowing of Pelé and thinking of him as the best player the world has ever seen. It's very sad, whenever an icon passes away it's a very sad moment for football. He's certainly well remembered around the world."

Following his passing, The Brazilian Football Confederation said: "Pele was much more than the greatest sportsperson of all time.

"Our king of football was the greatest exponent of a victorious Brazil, who was never afraid when faced with difficulty. He promised his father a World Cup and he presented us with three.

"The King gave us a new Brazil and we are so thankful for his legacy. Thank you, Pele."