The son of Brazil's footballing legend, Pele, has been handed a prison sentence of 12-years and 10 months but denies the charges and has vowed to clear his name.
Edinho, an ex-Santos keeper, was first arrested in 2005 but will now have to complete his sentence for alleged drug trafficking and money laundering.
He remained free during the initial appeal but was sentenced in 2014 to 33 years. Though the term has since been reduced.
(Pele and Edinho wave with children during the centennial anniversary celebration of the team in Santos, Brazil)
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The 46-year-old is clearly frustrated by the ruling and is adamant that he wants to clear his name. Speaking to the assembled media as he arrived at the police station in Santos, he said via Goal;
"I'm frustrated because I'm being massacred by the legal system. I never had any involvement with money laundering."
Edinho remains hopeful that things will be put right; "But I have to trust in that same court and I'm sure that, over time, things will be put right."
While claiming he wasn't involved in such acts which he's been prosecuted for; "The frustration is huge because I'm being accused of money laundering, but I've never done that. There's no proof in this process of that."
Continuing to add; "The argument is related to my friendship with the other accused. I have never denied that but I have never laundered money."
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"The argument for conviction is simply friendship. It's difficult to accept and to go through everything I've gone through for more than 15 years."
Vowing he will overcome this; "I'm ashamed, I regret my carelessness, but I did not commit a crime. I'm strong. I'm going to overcome this."
More to follow.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Pele
