Pele's final request to Tom Brady was dashed after his 'un-retirement' and divorce from Gisele Bundchen
BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS: Footballing legend Pele’s death after a long battle with cancer has rocked the entire world. He was much loved and most definitely a defining figure in the field of football, but he was also seen as a beloved sports icon even by those who don't follow football. It’s not surprising at all that he’d have had great relations with many other sporting legends, notably, with Tom Brady, the NFL quarterback who is now playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The mutual respect that Pele and Brady have for each other has been on open display many times, what with Pele posting a heartfelt message for the quarterback on Instagram when Brady’s retirement was announced. Brady may have since unretired, but the love remained. In fact, one of Pele's last wishes was a hug from Brady and his now ex-wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, which went unrealized.
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Pele’s wish, as he expressed in the post was to have Brady stop by more frequently to visit after he retired and to get a hug from the former married couple. Pele had captioned the post, “My friend @tombrady, congratulations on your beautiful journey. You are a legend. As of today, an era in sport also ends. The decision to stop is difficult, but you are right. In this life we lead, there is no possibility of surrendering less than 100%. Before, I was rooting for your victory in the games. Now I keep hoping that your life will always be full of achievements. Now that you will have more time, when you stop by, I expect a hug from you and @gisele.” Check out the post below.
However, Pele's wish remained unfulfilled as Brady 'un-retired' to come back to the sport, and this was followed by Bundchen announcing that they were getting divorced a few days later.
Bundchen and Brady had both met Pele in the flesh and had also been on the receiving end of a lot of great wishes from the footballer. Right before Brady had played the final for his tenth Super Bowl title, Pele had wished the quarterback, saying, “Tom, good luck in your tenth Super Bowl. Ten is my lucky number. Boa sorte, meu amigo!”
Gisele had also posted a tribute to the footballer on her Instagram, with a picture on her stories of her and the legend in happier times, with her holding a jersey with her name on it.