Man Utd star Antony pays touching tribute to football icon Pele before Wolves game after Brazil legend’s death aged 82

MANCHESTER UNITED winger Antony paid a touching tribute to Pele following his death at 82 this week.

Brazilian Antony lifted up his United shirt during a minute’s applause for Pele ahead of the game against Wolves.

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Antony paid tribute to Pele ahead of the Wolves matchCredit: Reuters

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Pele passed away this week aged 82Credit: AFP

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A minute’s applause was held for the Brazil legend at MolineuxCredit: Getty

And a message on his undershirt read in Portuguese: “Rest in peace Pele.”

The 22-year-old had a stoic look on his face and did not join in with the applause – choosing instead to share the message.

Both United and Wolves players also wore black armbands to commemorate ‘The King’.

All Premier League games this weekend will begin with a minute’s applause for the three-time World Cup winner, and every player will wear a black armband.

A number of stars have paid tribute to the footballing great since his passing, with Neymar saying “he turned football into art”.

Neymar wrote: “Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life.

“But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment.

“He gave voice to the poor, to the black community and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil.

“Football and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!”

England legend Gary Lineker tweeted: “Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men.

“He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt.

“He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.”

United once tried to sign Pele in 1968 to form a stunning frontline with Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best.

But the Brazilian hero decided to stay put at his boyhood club Santos where he spent 18 years.