01 January 2023 , 19:56
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An extraordinary family feud surrounding Pele was ended just days before his death when two of his grandchildren - who he had always denied were his - were allowed to visit his bedside.
Pele had a secret relationship with their granny and when she gave birth to her daughter the Brazilian icon denied paternity. But DNA tests and a court ruling proved he was the father.
In a poignant family gesture the two grandchildren were allowed to see him properly for the first time just 48 hours before he died. He will be buried this week.
Octávio Felinto Neto and Gabriel Arantes do Nascimento visited him on December 28.
Gabriel said: “Every family has fights and rows, ours is no different, but there are moments when union and love are more important than anything else!
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Octávio and Gabriel were allowed to visit Pele just before he died (Instagram)“I thank God for having provided this moment, because it was what my mother dreamed of the most, there are things that some plant and others reap and we are reaping.
“I thank those who were happy for us, we are extremely happy and thank all of my family in advance, who were extremely receptive and loving with us!"
But just a few days ago “a new story” after they were allowed to see the dying legend.
Pele pictured back in 2009 (AFP via Getty Images)It was a dream of their mother, Sandra Regina Arantes do Nascimento, the daughter who was never recognised by Pelé despite the DNA test that confirmed the paternity after a lawsuit in 1991.
Her mother, Anisio Machado, was a cleaner who used to work for Pelé.
Pelé lost a legal case in 1996 so Sandra was able to use the surname Arantes do Nascimento.
Sandra died in 2006.