Brazilian footballing sensation Pele, ‘the Black Pearl’ mourned the demise of the prince of football Diego Maradona after the Argentine died on Wednesday. “Hope we will play soccer together in the sky,” the Brazilian football great wrote on social media.

Pele who won three FIFA World Cups with his country, and shared the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award with Maradona, wrote,  “Sad news today. I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend.”

The 80-year-old shared an image of Maradona holding aloft the 1986 World Cup and wrote, “There is much more to say, but for now may God give his family strength. One day, I hope, we will play soccer together in the sky.”

The Argentine who turned 60 on October 30 had recently undergone brain surgery and was discharged from the hospital a fortnight ago.

Maradona, nicknamed the Golden Kid, represented his country on 91 occasions scoring 34 goals. The Argentine’s crowning achievement came in the 1986 World Cup when he captained his national side and led them to victory over West Germany in the final besides winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

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The attacking midfielder who started his club career with Argentinos Junior and went on to represent Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla in his halcyon days. He also led Napoli to their first ever Serie A Italian Championship in 1986-87, and clinching the title on a second occasion in 1989-90. He also won the Coppa Italia in 1987 and the UEFA Cup in 1989 with Napoli.

Pele had congratulated Maradona on his birthday on October 30, with the latter returning the favour on Pele’s birthday calling the Brazilian striker a “King.”