Pele put in lie in state at "Santos" stadium before his burial

Thousands of football fans will say a final goodbye to Brazil legend Pele at the home of his former club Santos.

The coffin of the three-times World Cup winner is to lie in state for 24 hours in the centre circle of the Brazilian's club's Vila Belmiro stadium later on January 2, Sky News informs.

The sporting icon, nicknamed "The King" because of his supreme footballing ability, died last week at the age of 82 following a long battle with colon cancer.

Pele played almost his entire club career at Santos, a satellite city of Sao Paulo, where he grew up.

He played 656 competitive matches for the side, helping them to numerous trophies, including six Brazilian league titles.

After lying in state at the Vila Belmiro stadium, Pele's casket will be carried through the streets of Santos to the home of his 100-year-old mother.

He will then be buried at the Memorial Necropole Ecumenical, a vertical cemetery in Santos, on January 3, with only his family present.