Colombia plane crash: ‘For us Brazilians, it is very difficult’ Football legend Pele’s heartbreak over Chapecoense plane crash
Brazil icon says nation is in mourning after the plane crash over Colombia
LEGENDARY football icon Pele has spoken of his nation’s grief following the horrific plane crash in Colombia this week.
Club officials and players of Brazilian football side Chapecoense were among the 71 people that lost their lives in the tragedy.
The club were travelling to play the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional when the plane carrying them crashed over Cerro Gordo, La Union.
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Tributes still continue to pour in from around the world for those who died.
And the three-time World Cup winner told ESPN Brazil that his whole nation is in mourning for the loss.
Pele said: "It is a sad moment. It makes us sad and makes Brazil sad.
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"I ask God to give the families strength to get through this suffering as fast as possible. There are many accidents here on earth. It is sad because they are our brothers.
"We must pray and be a positive force for the families who are suffering. For us Brazilians, it is very difficult."
Meanwhile, last season’s winners of the competition have presented their replica of the 2015 trophy to the grief-stricken side.
The Colombian side Santa Fe tweeted from their official account: "Santa Fe today delivered the replica of the Copa Sudamericana to Chapecoense.
"[We] seek the same dream, this trophy is also of you."
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has cancelled a scheduled trip to Australia, which he was due to go on next Monday, so that he can attend the funeral services in Brazil for those killed in the crash.
One glimmer of hope coming out of incident arrived on Thursday with news that some of the survivors may yet play football again.
Alan Ruschel, Helio Neto and Jakson Follman were the trio who escaped death.
And while the initial implication was that they would never kick a football again, they have since discovered their injuries may not hold them back permanently.
Centre-back Neto was brought to hospital following the horror crash with what was described as a ‘traumatic head injury’.
However, the 31-year-old has recovered incredibly well in such a short time, with his father taking to Facebook to share the news he will one day take to a football pitch again.
He said: “I can inform with much satisfaction and happiness that my son is getting better and better.
“They’ve just operated on his legs and the doctors have assured that he will be able to return playing football.”
Meanwhile, defender Ruschel – who feared he may be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life – has been told he will walk again.
Defender Ruschel – who feared he may be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life – has been told he will walk again.
Goalkeeper Follman was also treated to some good news after being told he would not lose his left leg, having already had his right limb amputated after suffering grave injuries in the crash.