JOIN USConfederations Cup finalists Brazil and Spain gifted autographed commemorative shirts to ailing South African former president Nelson Mandela, FIFA president Sepp Blatter revealed on Sunday.
“To Mandela, a gift from Brazilian national team and wish you a good recover (sic)”, read the inscription on the Brazil shirt.
Nobel peace laureate Mandela, who played a major role in the 2010 World Cup coming to South Africa - the first time the competition has been held on the African continent - is in critical condition in Pretoria.
Blatter also issued a short tribute to Mandela.
“The strength of the world’s most popular game which you love so much, football, reaches out to you. With this gesture, the football world wants to tell you how much we are thinking about you,” said Blatter in his message.