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At the end of the line, the voice is trembling. “It’s a very difficult day”, breathes Cosmo Damião. He is the founder of the association of supporters of Santos FC, this port city located 80 kilometers from the megalopolis São Paulo where Pelé initiated and built most of his professional career, from 1956. But, on this Thursday black, he is the voice of the 215 million inhabitants of Brazil. “I met him when I was twelve and accompanied most of his matches. He was a great player and a great man. It breaks my heart. He holds back a few tears and adds: “Now only the memories, the nostalgia, remain. He is gone, but his legacy is eternal. »