December 30, (THEWILL) – Santos football club is considering a proposal to permanently retire the number 10 jersey worn by Pele during his career with the club. This consideration is at the behest of his daughters, who requested that the club retire the number in honour of their father.
Pele is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time and won three World Cups with Brazil. The proposal to retire the number 10 jersey has generated mixed reactions among club members.
President Andres Rueda told Brazilian outlet BandNews: “We are going to propose to the council that it retires the number 10 shirt. This requires a bureaucratic procedure, a council meeting and approval. In the meantime, due to an administrative act, we will no longer wear shirt number 10 from January, hoping that it will become a final decision by our board.”
Rueda went on to say that some club members previously believed that keeping the number 10 jersey on the team would be a fitting tribute to Pele. However, the president added that the opinion of the members is currently divided on the matter.
Venezuelan forward, Yeferson Soteldo, who currently wears the number 10 for Santos, posted a message on social media after the announcement of Pele’s death, saying: “Wearing and taking care of your shirt with affection and respect is a mission that I honour. Today you leave us, but your legacy and memories remain. Thank you for everything, King Pele.”
The club has declared a week of mourning following Pele’s passing at the age of 82.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
