The new president of Santos announced on Saturday that the number 10 shirt worn by Pele will not be used in the Brazilian second division of football, after the club was relegated for the first time in its history.
Lawyer and business manager Marcelo Teixeira, just an hour after he was elected as the new president of Santos, announced the decision, in an election event marked by incidents and protests over the club’s situation.
“In the Sao Paulo Championship, we will be able to play normally in the No. 10 shirt, but in the Brazilian Championship, until we return to the first division, a level worthy of Pele, we will not play in the No. 10 shirt.” Teixeira, who returns to leading the club, which he headed for six periods between 1992 and 1993 and between 2000 and 2009, said.
For the leader elected to help Santos emerge from the biggest crisis in history, the second division falls short of the number (10) immortalized by Pele.
“In memory of him and in honor of him, as we dedicate this year to honoring Pele after his death (December 29), we will continue this mission. Until we return (to the top flight), Santos Futebol will not be able to continue this mission.” He added: “He wore the most glorious shirt in his history, which is the tenth shirt.”
Also on Saturday, the 300th Cruyff Stadium in the world was opened, specifically in Santos, in a ceremony honoring two football legends. As a result of a collaboration between the Cruyff Foundation, the UEFA Children’s Foundation and the Pelé Foundation, the new space will serve children and young people from local neighbourhoods.
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