A hairdresser who first met Brazilian soccer legend Pele in the 1950s and cut his hair for decades said Friday he hoped God would take care of the late athlete.
Pele, who died on Thursday at age 82, rose from poverty to become one of the greatest athletes in modern history and the only man to win three World Cups as a player.
“He came to get his hair cut a few times a month and to get his beard trimmed every two days,” said Joao Araujo, who said he first met Pele in 1956 or 1957 and whose barbershop in the city Santos houses star memorabilia. Pele spent most of his playing career with Santos football club.
Araujo said he last saw Pele, who suffered from colon cancer, last year.
“(I hope) God takes care of him.”