Press Trust of India
New Delhi, Oct 8: He might be travelling half-way across the globe to promote youth football through the ongoing Subroto Cup football tournament here but Brazilian legend Pele declared Thursday that there won’t be another like him and the man who draws constant comparisons with him, the inimitable Diego Maradona.
Widely regarded as the greatest footballer to have played the game, the 74-year-old Edson Arantes do Nascimento will be in the capital next week as a special ambassador at the 56th edition of Subroto Cup 2015 final.
“There will be only one Pele because my mother and father have closed the machine! But seriously, every player is unique and different. Just like there will be only one Maradona, one Zidane or one Beckenbauer,” Pele stated.
Nicknamed the Black Pearl, Pele has won one Ballon d’Or, three World Cups and scored a staggering 1,283 career goals. Pele first wowed the world as a 17-year-old by helping Brazil win their first World Cup in 1958. He went on to help them defend their trophy in 1962 and then, in 1970, led the greatest team of all time to victory in Mexico.
“I spent my childhood playing local tournaments where Waldemar de Brito, who was scouting for Santos FC at the time, saw my potential. The opportunity which he gave me at Santos FC changed my life forever, and I remained with the club for nearly 20 years,” Pele stated.
He said it was important for a country like India, which will be hosting the U-17 World Cup in 2017, to encourage youth tournaments such as Subroto Cup, which is organised by the Indian Air Force here.
“Sports is the best way to encourage young kids to be active and healthy, and to stay out of trouble. Most importantly, it teaches work ethics. And youth tournaments are the best way for them to improve football skills, learn from their coaches and teammates and also make new friends,” Pele asserted.
Asked about modern day football, Pele did not delve but rated Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best at the moment. “And of course my fellow Brazilian, Neymar. We both come from the same club, Santos FC,” said Pele.
