Fitting tribute: Wembley Stadium’s arch is lit up in the colours of Brazil after it was announced that Pele had died. — AP
PETALING JAYA: Goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat still get goosebumps when he recalls the up-close-and-personal encounter with Pele in Malaysia seven years ago.
“He gave me a big hug,” recalled Khairul.
The Brazilian was in Malaysia to launch “The Greats Stay Thirsty” campaign by 100Plus at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) in 2015 where Khairul or ‘Apek’ was one of the players from the national team who were invited for the event.
Pele shared his wisdom and experiences with Khairul together with defender Zubir Azmi, midfielders Joseph Kallang Tie, Nasir Basharuddin, Ahmad Syamim Yahya, Yong Kuong Yong, striker Ahmad Hazwan Bakri and winger Christie Jayaseelan.
Pele, barefooted in his younger days but rose from poverty to become one of the greatest and best-known athletes in history, died on Thursday at the age of 82.
Khairul said he would continue to take to heart the legend’s words of wisdom.
“He was such a big legend in world football, and when we had the chance to share the stage with him, we had goosebumps,” said Khairul, who played for Kelantan then and was a regular in the national team.
“Before (Lionel) Messi and (Diego) Maradona, Pele was the greatest and when we started playing football, our elders used to tell us about his prowess. So to meet him was something really special.
“He spoke to us after the event and told us, ‘enjoy the game, it will give back to you’. I will never forget the stories he shared on that stage.
“There is no one like him, and he can’t be replaced.
“He was a legend and inspired all the footballers, and even ordinary people revered him. Pele’s words have inspired many generations.
“He will be missed, but I will cherish the time I spent with him.”
Former Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin also posted a picture of him with Pele with the caption, “Descansa en Paz” (Rest in peace in Spanish).
Khairy was also present at the event and gave a speech about the great player.
“I was not even born in the 1970s, and yet it was the move that he did in the 1970 World Cup that I tried to do the most when I was a kid,” said Khairy.
“Pele did a dummy against the Uruguayan keeper. He did not even touch the ball, the ball went past the keeper, he went around it and shot at the goal, but unfortunately it did not go in.
“I will always remember that as a moment of magic,” said Khairy, drawing applause from the legend himself.
