The New York Cosmos have released a statement in honor of their former player Pele, the legendary Brazilian who died Thursday at the age of 82.

The three-time World Cup winner passed away from colon cancer after learning the disease had advanced on December 21, and stayed in the hospital over Christmas as he needed treatment for cardiac and renal dysfunction.

He had previously been admitted to the hospital on November 30 with 'decompensated heart failure' before passing away a month later.

The Cosmos statement read: 'The New York Cosmos family, past and present, grieve the loss of sporting icon Pele. The Brazilian legend passed away today at the age of 82.

'Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in the city of Tres Coracoes, Pele would become one of the world’s most celebrated figures. He made his professional soccer debut with Santos at the age of 15 and would go on to score over a thousand goals and win the FIFA World Cup three times before turning 30.

'In 1975, Pele joined the New York Cosmos and helped popularize soccer across the United States. O Rei treated fans to numerous legendary moments on the pitch, including scoring a hat-trick to win the 1977 NASL Soccer Bowl.

'During three seasons with the Cosmos, Pele helped transform the domestic landscape of the sport of soccer. Where once there had been baseball diamonds, now there were also soccer pitches. 

'The Cosmos and their King not only started a sporting revolution in America, they also traveled the world to spread the Gospel of the Beautiful Game, representing the world’s most global city at the global game, leaving a lasting sporting legacy in India, China, and Japan, where their visits remain a cherished part of local sporting lore.

'His last game as a professional footballer was played on October 1, 1977, before a sold-out crowd at Giants Stadium and a global television audience. Pele played one half each for the only two clubs he ever represented, Santos and the New York Cosmos. 

'Pele's name will forever be synonymous with sporting artistry and genius. His lasting impact on the sport of soccer is inestimable. Rest in peace, O Rei.'

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Pele's life off the field was just as colourful as his famous Brazil kit - he had seven children, many affairs, mixed with Presidents, acted in films, and even smashed the taboo around Viagra

With Pele's passing aged 82, football has lost 'The King'. For so long he was hailed as the greatest player of all time, but now Sportsmail asks: who REALLY is the best ever: Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Messi or Ronaldo?

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Pele played with German icon Franz Beckenbauer, Italian Giorgio Chinaglia and fellow Brazilian international Carlos Alberto Torres at the Cosmos.

He was coming off his third World Cup win in 1970, when the newly formed club in the fledgling North American Soccer league called. Pele wasn't interested at the time, but he would relent five years later to sign a three-year deal reportedly worth an astounding $7million – $2m of which was used to pay his Brazilian tax bill.

But according to Pele, it wasn't the money that convinced him to come out of semiretirement to help popularize soccer in the US – it was Henry Kissinger.

'I am sure your stay in the United States will substantially contribute to closer ties between Brazil and the US,' the former US Secretary of State told him, as quoted by Pele on Twitter.

Making their debut in 1971, the NASL's fourth season, the Cosmos went practically unnoticed in the Bronx, averaging 4,517 fans at Yankee Stadium. They would soon move to Hofstra University's field on Long Island, where they averaged only 4,282 and 5,782 fans in 1972 and 1973, respectively.

But it wasn't until Pele's arrival in 1975 that the team began to make inroads with New Yorkers.

CBS broadcast Pele's first match at Downing Stadium on the city's Randall Island, where dirt was spray painted green to give the illusion of grass to television audiences. 

By 1977, Pele's final season with the team, the Cosmos were averaging 34,142 fans a game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In fact, they did even better after his retirement, averaging 47,856 fans a game the following season.

The Cosmos would win NASL titles in 1977, with Pele, and again in 1978 and 1980.

Pele was remembered fondly in other corners of American soccer as well with US fans thanking him for getting them into soccer.

US Women's national team World Cup winner Carli Lloyd tweeted: 'Icon. Legend. Goat. RIP Pele.'

Former USMNT midfielder and Houston Dynamo coach Tab Ramos said: 'GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Carried The Beautiful Game on his shoulders and always with class. Rest in Peace.' 

USMNT winger Tim Weah added on Instagram: 'Thank you for paving the way for young black men like myself to believe that anything is possible if you dream big.

'You will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for changing my life and inspiring me to continue believing in my abilities.' 

Another sporting legend, Tom Brady, also paid tribute as he shared a photo of the pair exchanging a signed soccer ball and football helmet to his Instagram story, writing: 'Honored to have met you. Rest in Peace.'

The NFL star also shared a video of Pele wishing him luck ahead of his tenth Super Bowl appearance in 2020 with the Brazilian icon noting that ten, the number he wore throughout his career, was his lucky number. 

Even former US President Barack Obama offered his condolences.

'Pele was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together,' he said.

'Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.'

Of course, Pele's influence stretched far beyond North America, and so did his tributes on Thursday.

World Cup Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe shared a tribute to the Brazilian icon.  

'The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING,' he said on Twitter.

'His compatriot Neymar also penned a touching tribute on Instagram. 

'Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I've read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete,' he said.

'I would say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. 

'Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He's gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!'