The Brazilian hero says that his nation is in mourning after a plane crash over Colombia lost 71 lives,
including many players and staff from the remarkable club.

Brazil legend Pele has lamented the Chapecoense tragedy, saying that "for us Brazilians, it is very difficult".


Players and officials from the Brazilian team were among the 71 people to lose their lives when a plane carrying them to Colombia for first leg of their Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional crashed over Cerro Gordo, La Union.


The Three-time World Cup winner told ESPN Brasil of his feeling of a nation in mourning as tributes continue to pour in from around the globe.


"It is a sad moment," he said. "It makes us sad and makes Brazil sad.


"I ask God to give the families strength to get through this suffering as fast as possible. There are many accidents here on Earth. It is sad because they are our brothers.


"We must pray and be a positive force for the families who are suffering. For us Brazilians, it is very difficult."


A tweet from their official account read: "Santa Fe today delivered the replica of the Copa Sudamericana to Chapecoense.
"[We] seek the same dream, this trophy is also of you."


FIFA president Gianni Infantino has cancelled a scheduled trip to Australia next Monday so that he can attend funeral services in Brazil for those killed in the plane crash.