Héctor Chumpitaz was one of the former national football players who had the opportunity to meet Pelé both on and off the field. They not only faced each other wearing the shirts of Peru and Brazil, but they also had the opportunity to get to know each other a little more in some friendly matches held in Lima. Therefore, after learning about the death of 'O Rei', the historic captain broke down and could not help but shed tears.
In a recent interview for América Deportes, Héctor Chumpitaz recalled the passages he experienced with Pelé.
"Above all, because of the simplicity he had, apart from that quality. He was very humble, he could talk to you as if he had known you for a long time and that filled one with joy because imagine the best player in the world talking to you...", the former defender began, who also remembered a match they had in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
"Actually, talking about Pelé is the greatest. I have had the opportunity to play against him. He has always shown me affection as a good athlete he was too", he added.
"Pelé is one of a kind. Sorry for getting emotional, but I had a lot of esteem for him (...) May he rest in glory and with time we will play a match up there (in heaven). A little soccer game up there", Héctor Chumpitaz concluded.